The NHS has seen significant improvements in patient care thanks to a record £26 billion investment from the Government in last year’s budget. The funding was aimed at helping the health service bounce back from the pressures of the pandemic, with a particular focus on reducing waiting times and expanding hospital capacity. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the investment is already making a difference, saying, “Our tough choices at the Budget are paying off – patients are being seen faster, and lives are being saved as a result.”

One of the key changes has been the increase in out-of-hours appointments, which has resulted in 76.1% of cancer patients receiving a diagnosis or being given the all-clear within 28 days between July 2024 and January 2025. This marks an improvement from 71.8% during the same period the previous year. Faster diagnosis is closely linked to better outcomes for cancer patients, helping ensure that treatment can begin sooner and with better chances of success.

Mr Streeting, who is a cancer survivor himself, acknowledged the importance of timely diagnosis, stating, “We are determined to cut waiting times and reform the NHS so that it delivers for everyone.” In just six months, an additional 80,000 patients have been diagnosed or cleared of cancer, with overall NHS waiting lists reduced by 193,000. The Plan for Change continues to focus on efficiency, accessibility, and delivering better outcomes across all areas of care.

The government also met its target of two million extra appointments - covering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostic testing, and more - seven months ahead of schedule. Healthcare leaders from Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support welcomed the progress and emphasised the importance of developing the new National Cancer Plan to build on these results.