Over two million extra NHS appointments delivered early as trusts handed £40 million to go further and faster
16 February 2025
The NHS has delivered over two million extra appointments and procedures early, thanks to a £40 million investment from the government.
The funding has been used to increase capacity and efficiency across the health service, with trusts given the flexibility to use the money in the way that best meets the needs of their local communities.
As a result, patients are now waiting less time for appointments and procedures, and the NHS is on track to meet its target of eliminating all waits of more than 18 months by April 2025.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“This is a significant milestone for the NHS, and it shows that we are making progress in our mission to deliver a world-class health service for patients.
“We are committed to supporting the NHS to go further and faster, and this £40 million investment is a clear demonstration of that commitment.
“I would like to thank all of the staff who have worked so hard to make this happen, and I urge the public to continue to use the NHS wisely.”
The extra appointments and procedures have been delivered in a variety of ways, including:
- Increasing the number of clinics and operating theatres open
- Offering patients more appointments at evenings and weekends
- Using new technology to streamline the booking process
The NHS is also working to improve access to care for patients who live in rural areas, and those with long-term conditions.
This investment is part of the government’s wider plan to transform the NHS and give patients the care they need, when they need it.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- The £40 million investment was announced in the government’s Elective Recovery Plan, published in September 2022.
- The NHS has delivered over two million extra appointments and procedures since the funding was announced.
- The NHS is on track to meet its target of eliminating all waits of more than 18 months by April 2025.
Media enquiries:
Department of Health and Social Care Tel: 020 7210 5222 Email: [email protected]
Out of hours media enquiries: 07747 811 888
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