Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a new partnership with the private healthcare sector aimed at significantly reducing NHS waiting times. This agreement will make private hospital facilities more accessible to the NHS, supporting the government’s target of ensuring patients receive treatment within 18 weeks. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to cut waiting lists and improve healthcare access across England.
The prime minister described this collaboration as a “partnership in the national interest” and dismissed concerns that it signalled a move towards NHS privatisation. Instead, he emphasised his commitment to prioritising patient care over political ideology.
Under the government’s plan, an additional two million appointments will be delivered by the end of next year. Key measures include expanding community diagnostic centres (CDCs), establishing 14 new surgical hubs, and enhancing three existing hubs. To further ease pressure, patients will have the option to decline follow-up appointments booked by default, potentially freeing up to one million slots. By March 2026, these efforts are expected to ensure 450,000 more patients receive timely treatment.
The opposition has been quick to highlight similarities between this initiative and past Conservative policies. Ed Argar, the Conservative shadow health secretary, pointed to previous achievements under Tory leadership, including the introduction of 160 CDCs and 18 surgical hubs, as well as investment in improved medical technology and infrastructure.
Recent NHS England figures indicate that the backlog of treatments had fallen to 7.54 million by the end of October—the lowest level since March 2024. However, the challenge remains substantial, with the last successful fulfilment of the 18-week treatment target dating back to 2015, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
The government is also driving a digital overhaul of the NHS app, set for completion by March 2025. This upgrade will enable patients at over 85% of acute trusts to access their appointment details, communicate with providers, and receive updates, including estimated waiting times. The reforms aim to offer greater transparency and empower patients with more control over their treatment options.
To further reduce strain on GPs, funding will be provided for primary care doctors to seek specialist advice before making referrals. Additionally, CDCs will extend their operating hours to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, making diagnostic services more accessible and efficient.
In its first year, the plan is expected to deliver the equivalent of 40,000 additional appointments per week—one of Sir Keir’s six key pledges. Despite concerns over potential workforce shortages, the government remains confident that these reforms will deliver significant improvements.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting underscored the importance of patient choice in healthcare. Recalling his own experience with kidney cancer, he stressed that every patient, regardless of background, deserves equal access to the best possible care. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard echoed this sentiment, describing the plan as an “ambitious blueprint” designed to increase efficiency, enhance convenience, and put patients at the centre of their healthcare journey.
With major investments and systemic reforms underway, the government aims to revolutionise NHS operations, prioritising accessibility, speed, and patient empowerment. The coming years will reveal the full impact of this initiative on reducing waiting times and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
One Health Group PLC (AQSE:OHGR) are a team of Consultant Surgeons and Healthcare managers working with the NHS to provide faster, local and expert care in Orthopaedics, Spinal, General Surgery and Gynaecology.
