NHS Faces Challenges as Waiting Lists Surge and Funding Disparities Highlighted
London, July 3, 2025 – The National Health Service (NHS) in England is under mounting pressure as waiting lists have surged to record levels, with the latest figures showing a list of 7.39 million patients—the lowest in two years but still historically high. In response to the backlog, the NHS has increased the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by 42% over the past two years, a measure Health Secretary Wes Streeting has labeled "unacceptable" as he prepares to announce a comprehensive 10-year health plan aimed at overhauling the system.
Funding disparities across the UK have drawn criticism, with England’s NHS receiving £969 million in additional GP funding for 2025/26. In contrast, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland received £290 million, £52 million, and £1 million respectively, raising concerns about worsening access and resource gaps, particularly in Northern Ireland where the healthcare system is described as "collapsing" due to underfunding.
Inequalities in waiting times remain a significant issue, disproportionately affecting people from poorer regions and minority backgrounds. Analyses indicate that individuals in deprived areas face longer waits and poorer experiences, prompting calls for more equitable resource allocation and targeted interventions to address structural and social drivers of inequality. The Elective Recovery Plan, launched in 2022, set ambitious targets to increase treatment capacity by 30% and introduced new diagnostic centers and surgical hubs, but regional and clinical disparities persist.
The Labour government’s proposal to map the DNA of all newborns has also sparked debate. While the initiative aims to boost public health data and early intervention, critics have described it as "dystopian," citing privacy concerns.
Meanwhile, individual stories of patient hardship underscore the system’s gaps. A 24-year-old woman with rare ovarian cancer is among those forced to seek private funding for immunotherapy, highlighting areas where NHS coverage falls short.
Despite these challenges, the NHS has reported some progress. The waiting list has dropped to its lowest point in two years, and new initiatives include the recruitment of 1,000 additional GPs and the rollout of advanced IT systems for GP practices. Innovative treatments, such as a "trojan horse" therapy for multiple myeloma, are also being introduced to improve outcomes for blood cancer patients.
The government’s upcoming 10-year health plan is expected to address these systemic issues, with a focus on reducing inequalities, modernizing care, and rebuilding trust in the NHS. However, experts warn that without sustained investment and targeted action, disparities and backlogs could persist, leaving millions waiting for essential care.