Long waits for hospital treatment cut by almost two thirds in Gloucestershire

Long waits for hospital treatment have been reduced by almost two thirds in Gloucestershire.

The NHS in Gloucestershire has made significant progress in reducing the longest waits for treatment such as planned care operations and procedures.

The number of people waiting more than 52 weeks cut by almost two thirds in the last twelve months from 3,000 in March 2024 to just over 1,000 on March 17.

“We continue to work hard to meet the ambitious 18-week target (the government target is to reach 92 per cent by March 2029), with 67.4 per cent of patients being treated within this timeframe in January, compared to 58.9 per cent nationally,” an NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board spokesperson said.

“The total size of the waiting list is now at just under 77,500, reduced by 3,600 from its highest levels in 2023.

“The number of diagnostic tests and checks taking place in Gloucestershire continues to increase.

“We have seen the total number of tests delivered in a month reach a new all-time high on three occasions this financial year, most recently in January 2025, where almost 26,000 tests took place.

“This is an increase of 25 per cent on the monthly average in the 2023/24 financial year.”

Gloucester’s Labour MP Alex McIntyre has praised the health service for the “fantastic” progress they have made. He said the approach taken by hospital staff and bosses is making a real difference for residents.

“I know how hard NHS Gloucestershire and our hospitals have been working to bring down waiting times for planned procedures, so it’s fantastic to see this work paying off.

“Their approach is having a huge impact that is making a real difference for people in Gloucester, their quality of life and their mental and physical wellbeing.

“With waiting lists going down and diagnostic tests and checks going up, it’s great to see NHS Gloucestershire taking such great steps towards the government’s target of 92 per cent of patients seen for elective procedures in under 18 weeks by 2029.

“Together we’re really making a difference for the health and wellbeing of people in our county.”

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