Waiting Lists in the Midlands Fall Nearly Three Times Faster Than National Average
Local NHS services improve as Birmingham patients benefit from shorter waits and increased robotic surgeries
Patients in Birmingham are now waiting significantly less time for planned surgeries, with waiting lists falling at nearly three times the national average.
New data from an NHS interactive dashboard reveals that the number of patients waiting for treatment in the Black Country — which includes Birmingham — has dropped by more than 7% in the past year. The number of patients waiting over a year for surgery has fallen by over 56%, compared to a 29% reduction across England.
These improvements come despite the NHS managing its busiest ever year, with more than 431,000 attendances at Midlands A&E departments recorded in December 2025.
At Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, the number of patients waiting longer than a year for surgery has been reduced by almost 79% since November 2024. Overall waiting lists have also dropped by nearly 10%.
Dr Subash Sivasubramaniam, Divisional Director of Surgical Services, explained that targeted efforts like High Intensity Theatre (HIT) lists for hernia and gallbladder surgeries have played a key role. On one recent HIT list, eight patients had surgery in a single day, including five who received cutting-edge robotic-assisted procedures.
Stephen Miller, a Birmingham-based physiotherapist who underwent robotic hernia repair, said: “I was pleased to be included on this list. The robotic surgery gave me confidence as it is becoming more common and effective.”
Birmingham resident Afshia Iqbal, 29, also benefited from robotic-assisted gallbladder surgery. “After years of pain, I’m relieved to get the care I needed quickly thanks to this HIT list,” she said.
Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, noted that weekend surgical lists help maximise patient numbers and reduce waiting times. “Using robotic surgery supports NHS England’s Ten-Year Health Plan to make this technology standard in theatres,” she added.
The trust currently has eight surgeons trained in robotic surgery across two specialties, with plans to increase these advanced procedures.
Across the Midlands, waiting lists have fallen by over 6.5% over the last year — more than double the reductions seen in other top regions and nearly three times the national average.
Dr Jess Sokolov, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the Midlands, said: “Faster access to treatment not only improves quality of life for patients in Birmingham but also helps reduce pressure on urgent and emergency care.”
Efforts include moving diagnostic and planned services into community locations so hospitals can prioritise urgent care.
The government’s Elective Reform Plan, launched in January 2025, aims to cut waiting times to 18 weeks and treat 92% of patients within this timeframe by 2029 through reforms such as empowering patients, improving delivery, and expanding surgical hubs and community diagnostics.