Thousands more South West patients waiting less time for treatment as NHS hits 18-week target

Thousands more patients across the South West are waiting less time for treatment as the region has beaten a key NHS target after a major drive to cut waits and boost access to care.

Since March 2025, the proportion of patients waiting 18 weeks or less has risen by 4.3 percent, driven by new community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs, wider use of robotic surgery, earlier specialist advice before referral, better use of theatre space and regular reviews of waiting lists.

New figures published today show the South West saw 67.5 percent of patients waiting no more than 18 weeks by March 2026, up from 63.2 percent a year earlier. 

NHS chiefs say this means the region not only beat the national 65 percent target, but also ranked joint best in the country for planned carealongside the North East and Yorkshire.

The milestone is an important step towards the wider national ambition of treating 92 percent of patients within 18 weeks by March 2029.

NHS England South West Regional Medical Director Dr Trevor Smith said: “It is encouraging to see real momentum in how quickly people are starting treatment after referral.

“While we still have further to go to reach the 92% national standard, the progress made across the region is good news for patients.

“Major initiatives such as our surgical hubs have helped us treat people more quickly. Because these units are separate from acute hospitals, they are better protected from urgent and emergency care pressures that can lead to operations being postponed.

“But much of this improvement has also come from the hard work and dedication of staff, who are making every stage of elective care as efficient as possible.

“I want to thank all the staff who have helped deliver faster care and a better experience for people across the South West.”

The South West is not only treating people sooner, but treating more people too. In 2025, more than one million people had operations in the region - almost a fifth more than in 2019.

Dr Smith added: “The pandemic had a major impact on waiting times, but we are determined to keep building on this progress so more patients get the care they need as quickly as possible.”