The NHS has set out a new national ambition for 65% of patients to receive elective treatment within 18 weeks by March 2026, with every trust asked to deliver at least a 5% improvement on their performance this year. Based on current levels of demand, the guidance sets out how NHS services will aim to see nearly 450,000 more patients treated within 18 weeks next year.

With staff diagnosing and treating more people with cancer than ever before, NHS England has also confirmed new national ambitions to speed up diagnosis for patients.

Read more – NHSE (30/1/25)