'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows
NHS winter pressures appear to be building already, with rises in waiting times for planned surgery.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Staff are already seeing the ominous early signs of pressure, with more patients coming to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year, and unfortunately many people are still waiting longer than we would like them to."
— Professor Frankie Swords , Academic
"The NHS continues to respond to record demand for care, but the relentless growth in demand for services is putting NHS staff under real pressure."
— Sir Ciarán Devane , Executive
"Thanks to the hard work of staff, the NHS has made progress in bringing down waiting times, but a rise in referrals mean that the service is having to run faster just to stand still and the prospects of meeting the government's pledge are receding."
— Francesca Cavallaro , Executive
"A 13% year-on-year rise in 12-hour emergency department waits as winter approaches should set alarm bells ringing."
— Dr Vicky Price , Academic
Key People
President of the Society for Acute Medicine, raising concerns about emergency department waits.
A representative of the Health Foundation discussing NHS waiting times.
National Medical Director at NHS England.
Chief executive of the NHS Alliance.
Locations
All Coverage
NHS winter pressures appear to be building already, with rises in waiting times for planned surgery.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
GP 10-minute appointment slots 'making it harder to do cancer checks'
Dr Amara Naseem says appointment times are not long enough to get the information she needs.
October 5, 2026 at 09:01 PM'Life-saving' charity for mums faces closing support
The charity recently lost out on a bid for funding and now might have to close its waiting list.
October 6, 2026 at 05:20 AMEarly Lampard findings could come within weeks
Early recommendations could be issued if evidence highlights patient safety risks, the chair says.
October 5, 2026 at 05:20 AM'Wear more clothes if it's cold,' schools told as energy bills rise
The EA suggests cost-saving measures as it warns school gas and electricity bills are set to rise.
October 7, 2026 at 05:33 AM'I was blamed for my baby's death, now NHS needs to change'
Neil and Katie Russell are working with the hospital where their daughter died on the scheme.
October 8, 2026 at 05:42 AMBid to run new trains on West Coast Mainline refused
Plans for more trains would “likely increase delays and cancelled trains", the rail regulator says.
October 8, 2026 at 11:42 AM