NHS neurology waiting list falls 20,000 since July, rises 1,000 in latest month to 7.28 million

More than 2,100 patients referred urgently for NHS neurology consultations over a year ago still lack appointments, GB News reported from its analysis of the latest figures. The total NHS waiting list reached 7.28 million cases after rising for a second successive month, with the neurology list alone adding 1,000 patients.

Only 60.2 percent of neurology patients were seen within the 18-week target.

Labour had pledged that 65 percent of patients would meet this standard by March. A Department of Health spokesman said more than 20,000 fewer people are waiting for neurology care than in July 2024 and that three in five neurology patients are now seen within 18 weeks.

The spokesman added that the government is investing an extra £6 billion to expand diagnostic, elective and urgent care capacity.

Shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew said delays cause avoidable harm to patients, some of it irreversible, and create long-term costs for the health service. He called on Labour to explain how it will cut waiting times. Georgina Carr, chief executive of the Neurological Alliance, which represents more than 100 specialist organisations, said too many patients wait months for assessment, diagnosis and treatment while their condition deteriorates.

The alliance estimates the economic burden of delayed neurology care at £96 billion.