Long waits for treatment remain one of the biggest safety risks facing patients today. Delays can worsen health outcomes, prolong time away from work, and reduce quality of life.
Earlier this year, the government directed all NHS trusts to significantly reduce their waiting times by March 2026. At Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far.
We’re currently the top-performing NHS trust in the east of England for referral to treatment (RTT) performance. We have also achieved the second-largest reduction in waiting list size in the region this financial year.
Waiting list reduction
- In February 2025, 7,394 patients were waiting for treatment with us.
- By June 2025, that number had dropped to 6,640 - a 10% reduction in just four months.
Improved RTT performance
- In February 2025, 61.8% of patients on our waiting list had been waiting fewer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment.
- By June 2025, that had improved to 67.6%.
Dr Ian Smith is Medical Director at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:
“This is such good news for our patients. We know that long waits mean a longer time with distressing symptoms, dealing with uncertainty and for many, life put on hold.
"For a few patients there are real safety concerns. Getting our waiting times down will make a huge difference to the quality of life of our patients. I’m so grateful to everyone for their contribution.”
Harvey McEnroe is Chief Operating Office at Royal Papworth Hospital:
“Over the past few months, we’ve seen some fantastic initiatives across the organisation to reduce our waiting list backlog.
"The dedication and teamwork shown by our staff over the past few months has been exceptional and is making a real difference.”
What’s driving this progress?
Several targeted initiatives have been central to helping us reduce our waiting times and improving patient experience.
Expanding access to life-changing procedures
- 158 additional TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) procedures have either taken place or been scheduled - significantly increasing access to this minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.
- Additional electrophysiology (EP) appointments are also helping us to diagnose and treat more patients with abnormal heart rhythms faster.
Improving the journey for sleep patients
Our Respiratory Support and Sleep Centre (RSSC) receives more than 500 referrals a month. To reduce delays, we’ve doubled capacity in our sleep lab. 40 patients per week can now have a polysomnography test (a comprehensive overnight test used to diagnose sleep disorders), compared to 21 patients in April 2025.
In addition, AI-powered software has halved the time it takes to analyse sleep study data from nearly three hours per patient to just over one hour. Earlier this year, patients were waiting up to 12 weeks for their polysomnography results. Now, results are ready the same week patients have their sleep study.
Smart technology for home diagnosis
More than 100 people each week are now using WatchPAT home sleep study devices. The technology is capable of detecting sleep apnoea comfortably and quickly at home rather than requiring patients to come into hospital. Extra consultant sessions have been scheduled to ensure a rapid turnaround of results – helping to diagnose and begin treating sleep apnoea earlier to avoid serious long-term impacts.
Enhanced data validation and patient tracking
Our teams have been reviewing each patient’s treatment pathway to ensure data is up-to-date and accurate. ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) rates have also been analysed to minimise lost appointment slots and ensure every patient stays on track for timely care.
Looking ahead
We’re committed to building on this progress and striving for even greater improvements in the months ahead. However, reducing our waiting list and treatment times isn’t just about meeting targets - it’s about people.
Behind every statistic is someone waiting for answers, relief, and the chance to live a fuller, healthier life.