For the first time, NHS England has published detailed breakdowns of its waiting list by gender, ethnicity, age, and levels of deprivation. The figures, released in July 2025, confirm growing concerns about unequal access to care across the country.
The data shows that women, individuals from Asian and Asian British backgrounds, and those living in more deprived areas are significantly more likely to face longer waits for treatment. Over half of those on the waiting list are of working age, and more than 57 per cent are women. Among these, the most common area of referral is gynaecology, a service that has come under increasing pressure in recent years. For older adults, ophthalmology accounts for the highest number of cases.
One of the most pressing concerns is the proportion of patients from disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority communities who are waiting beyond the NHS standard of 18 weeks for treatment. Many are also over-represented among those waiting more than a year. These delays can have serious consequences, often worsening health outcomes, increasing the complexity of treatment, and placing additional strain on mental wellbeing, finances, and family life.
The new figures provide a clearer understanding of where the NHS is falling short in delivering timely care. They also underline the need to confront long-standing structural barriers. Access to treatment should not be determined by someone’s background, income level, or postcode. If left unaddressed, the disparities revealed in this data risk deepening further and placing even greater pressure on communities already facing disadvantage.
This publication is a welcome step in acknowledging the unequal burden of waiting times. The task ahead is to ensure this transparency leads to meaningful action through targeted investment, improved access to under-resourced services, and a sustained commitment to providing fair and inclusive healthcare for all.
