The government is facing mounting pressure to address the NHS crisis, as concerns grow over the lack of progress in reducing long waiting times for treatment. Latest figures for England show the hospital care backlog has risen slightly, with targets to reduce the longest waits likely to be missed. Performance in A&E and cancer care also remains below target, prompting calls for urgent action ahead of the winter months.

Experts have urged the government to use the upcoming 30th October Budget to show its commitment to the NHS. Ongoing discussions between the Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury continue over funding for winter and the next financial year, with a 10-year NHS plan and long-term spending pledges expected in the spring.

However, health professionals argue the NHS cannot wait that long. The waiting list for hospital treatment stood at 7.64 million at the end of August, a slight decrease from last year’s peak but still higher than earlier this year. Prof Frank Smith of the Royal College of Surgeons of England warned that reducing long waits would be an "uphill battle" without investment in NHS infrastructure.

Health experts have emphasised the need for immediate support, with concerns that the upcoming winter could overwhelm the system. They stressed that while long-term reforms are necessary, action is urgently needed to prevent further strain on both patients and staff.