Free public tracker — updated monthly
NHS Waiting Times Tracker
Latest available month: May 2026
NHS England RTT incomplete pathways — total people waiting, 18-week breach performance, and 52-week long-waiters. Pulled directly from official NHS England monthly statistics. Free to read. Sign up below for the weekly briefing.
✓ Verify the figures — official NHS England RTT statistics →Total waiting
7.15m
Waiting over 18 weeks
2.46m
Breach of the 92% standard
Waiting over 52 weeks
12k
Long-wait cohort
18-week breach rate
34.4%
National, all specialties
Top specialties by total waiting
May 2026
National trend
Last 24 months
Top 10 specialties by 52-week long waits
As of May 2026
| Rank | Specialty | 52-week waiters | Total waiting | % over 52w |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trauma And Orthopaedic Service | 2,004 | 827,994 | 0.2% |
| 2 | Ear Nose And Throat Service | 1,440 | 594,371 | 0.2% |
| 3 | Gynaecology Service | 1,238 | 571,724 | 0.2% |
| 4 | Oral Surgery Service | 871 | 321,354 | 0.3% |
| 5 | General Surgery Service | 820 | 381,535 | 0.2% |
| 6 | Other - Surgical Services | 802 | 467,566 | 0.2% |
| 7 | Ophthalmology Service | 603 | 624,564 | 0.1% |
| 8 | Other - Medical Services | 591 | 622,582 | 0.1% |
| 9 | Urology Service | 555 | 378,114 | 0.1% |
| 10 | Dermatology Service | 494 | 384,239 | 0.1% |
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