The most recent NHS waiting list figures indicate a worrying trend as the number of individuals awaiting planned treatment in England has surged for the fourth consecutive month. As of October, the waiting list has increased by 6,000 patients since September, bringing the total to an alarming 7.4 million. This figure has remained relatively stable throughout the year, with a slight variation from 7.43 million in January.
Of the patients currently waiting for treatment, approximately 61.8% have been on the list for fewer than 18 weeks. This statistic mirrors the performance of September and marks the joint-best results seen over the past three years. However, it is essential to note that this figure is still significantly below the NHS target of 92%, as well as the government’s interim goal of 65% by March 2026.
In an effort to address these challenges and meet national targets, the government has established individual milestones for each NHS trust in England to achieve by next March. Each trust is required to ensure that 60% of patients are seen within 18 weeks or must improve their performance from November 2024 figures by at least five percentage points, whichever is greater.
Currently, we are monitoring 135 trusts that had a minimum of 5,000 patients waiting for planned treatment last November. Out of these, 101 have shown improvement, while 33 remain stagnant or have worsened in performance. Notably, Sheffield Hospitals NHS Trust did not submit data for October. Alarmingly, only 26 trusts are currently meeting their March 2026 targets, highlighting significant disparities in the healthcare system.
For more detailed insights on how your local NHS trust is performing, check out our comprehensive NHS tracker.
In significant maritime developments, Ukraine has released compelling video footage showing a naval drone successfully striking a tanker associated with Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea. This fleet has been implicated in transporting oil to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia.
The video, comprising various clips captured by at least two sea drones and published by Reuters, begins with one drone approaching the tanker. It transitions to footage from a second drone positioned further away, capturing a large explosion near the tanker’s rear. Additional clips depict the drones approaching the vessel, followed by the emergence of smoke and fire in the aftermath.
Verification of the tanker’s identity has confirmed it as the Dashan, flying the flag of the Comoros Islands and reportedly en route to Novorossiysk in southern Russia. This marks the third incident involving a shadow fleet tanker targeted in the Black Sea within a few weeks, following previous attacks on vessels named Kairos and Viras.
As the flu season begins, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is set to publish the latest data on flu, Covid, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases across England. The report will cover the period from December 1 to December 7, detailing GP consultations, hospital admissions, vaccine uptake, and outbreaks affecting schools and care homes.
This year, the flu season has arrived a month earlier than usual, and experts warn of a potentially severe strain of the virus circulating. Preliminary data from NHS England indicates that the number of patients hospitalized with flu has reached an unprecedented average of 2,660 per day, representing a 55% increase from the previous week.
In a tragic turn of events, videos from Myanmar’s Rakhine state reveal the aftermath of an overnight strike on a hospital in Mrauk-U township, resulting in at least 34 fatalities and numerous injuries. The footage showcases fires surrounding the hospital complex and significant damage to nearby buildings.
Through meticulous verification, the location of the attack was confirmed by comparing the footage with images from news agencies and satellite imagery, establishing the hospital’s identity. Reports suggest that soldiers from the Arakan Army (AA), a group opposing the military regime, were receiving treatment at the facility during the strike.
In a separate international incident, the US government has released footage of a recent operation involving the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The video depicts troops boarding a vessel identified as the Skipper, with aerial views showing armed personnel descending onto the deck.
The operation was reportedly carried out by a joint task force comprising the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War. The operation took place early yesterday morning, involving a coordinated effort from Coast Guard members, Marines, and special forces.
As the situation unfolds, these developments highlight ongoing global challenges related to healthcare and international security, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and response strategies.