IHPN responds to NHS figures and 10yr anniversary of 18wk target being met

Responding to the latest NHS performance figures for February 2026 – marking 10 years since the NHS’ 18 week Referral To Treatment target was last met in February 2016 – David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) said:

“While it’s welcome to see another small drop in the overall NHS waiting list, these latest performance figures mark the grim milestone of a decade now passing since the NHS’ 18 week target was last met.

“Far too many patients continue to face unnecessary pain and disruption to their lives, and recent polling commissioned by IHPN demonstrates just how much importance the public places on accessing swift, high quality care, with three quarters of people believing that the 18-week target should remain a priority even if the NHS is under significant financial pressure.

“Recent progress is encouraging but there is much more to do. The independent sector remains fully committed to supporting the NHS’ efforts—removing more than 1.6 million people from NHS waiting lists last year – and will continue to work alongside NHS colleagues to ensure patients get the high quality care they need to live healthy, productive lives.”