Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Waiting Lists

Tuesday 14 April 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department reports record numbers of appointments, tests, and surgeries since taking office, with waiting lists at their lowest level in nearly three and a half years.
  • A new multimillion-pound MRI scanner will be installed at Southlands hospital's community diagnostic centre to drive down waiting times and improve outcomes for MSK patients.
  • Government sets ambitious targets and invests in modernisation to simplify pathways, increase clinical capacity, and improve patient experience, showing recovery in the NHS.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire
NHS
Context

The Conservative government left the NHS with a record high of 7.6 million people on waiting lists and declining public satisfaction.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of people waiting for NHS treatment given that inherited from Conservatives an NHS in crisis, waiting lists at a record 7.6 million, and public satisfaction at record lows?

Answer from Wes Streeting

We have delivered record numbers of appointments, tests and surgeries since taking office, with waiting lists down to their lowest level in nearly three and a half years. We are driving modernisation through our 10-year plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments to address the current challenges faced by the NHS were not provided beyond general statements.

How: This Labour Government Are Getting The Nhs Back On Its Feet And Making It Fit For The Future.

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Q2 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
NHS
Context

The local acute trust in East Worthing and Shoreham has seen a reduction of more than 20,000 patients on waiting lists since the general election but faces ongoing challenges with musculoskeletal (MSK) waits.

Question

What more can be done to improve the performance of the Sussex MSK service given that it holds about 10% of NHS England's overall MSK waiting list and my constituents remain on the waiting list?

Answer from Wes Streeting

A new multimillion-pound MRI scanner will be installed at Southlands hospital's community diagnostic centre, and we are sending top clinicians to drive down waiting times and improve outcomes for MSK patients.

Answered
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Q3 Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire
NHS
Context

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS foundation trust undertook a Q4 sprint to reduce waiting times, with significant progress seen in various departments. At the start of the sprint, only 56% of patients were treated within 18 weeks; this increased to 60.2%. Concerns are raised about whether these improvements will be sustained.

Question

I am concerned that while there has been a significant drop in waiting times at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS foundation trust during the Q4 sprint, what assurances can the Secretary of State give that this progress is not just temporary? We need consistent good care for patients in South Derbyshire and across the country.

Answer from Wes Streeting

I thank my hon. Friend for her work and join in congratulating Stephen Posey and his team on their efforts. The government has set ambitious targets, invested in modernisation to simplify pathways, increase clinical capacity, and improve patient experience, showing that the NHS is recovering despite challenges like resident doctors' strikes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific assurances regarding the sustainability of improvements made to reduce waiting times at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS foundation trust.

How: We Are Not Complacent, Lots More To Do

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Q4 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
NHS
Context

A campaign is underway to secure a new site for the Summertown health centre, with discussions ongoing between local practices and council. However, delays caused by the district valuer are blocking progress.

Question

I am campaigning for a new site for Summertown health centre in Oxford West and Abingdon, but we have been unable to secure a meeting for over 14 months. The council and local practices are at a critical juncture where they risk losing the opportunity if action is not taken soon. Given that district valuers often request rents below market value, what measures will the Secretary of State take across Government to reassess the role of district valuers in ICBs?

Answer from Wes Streeting

The Chair of the Health Committee raises an important point about the timeliness of the issue concerning Summertown health centre. I would be very happy to meet with her soon to discuss this matter.

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide any specific actions or commitments regarding reassessing the role of district valuers in ICBs, instead agreeing to a future meeting.

How: I Would Be Very Happy To Meet With Her Soon

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Q5 Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston
NHS
Context

There is potential for increased use of community hospitals, such as Melton Mowbray Hospital in the constituency of Edward Argar, to help reduce waiting lists.

Question

I urge the Secretary of State to join me in calling on the local ICB and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust to invest in moving more services out of inner-city acute settings into community hospitals like Melton Mowbray hospital in my constituency. This would enable constituents to receive treatments closer to home.

Answer from Wes Streeting

I agree that moving more services out of hospital and into the community is essential. We are announcing new waves of community diagnostic centres and expanding existing provision. I will follow up with the right hon. Gentleman directly regarding his specific concern about Melton Mowbray site.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a direct commitment to invest in moving services from inner-city acute settings into community hospitals like Melton Hospital.

How: I Will Follow Up With The Right Hon. Gentleman Directly

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