Waiting lists
Report published 08 September 2025
Written by Helen Butters
The Networked Data Lab Topic 5: Waiting List Highlights NDL (Leeds Network Data Lab) report
As outlined in the report, many people across England are waiting for hospital treatment, and some are waiting for multiple treatments. The NHS should not let anyone wait more than 52 weeks; however, they are currently not meeting their targets. Many people are left waiting for a long time for treatment, during which their health could further deteriorate.
The project was funded by the Health Foundation, a national think tank organisation dedicated to research and involvement in health and care. The aim was to drive meaningful improvements in waiting times and enhance patient experiences during their wait for treatment.
We ran group discussions and gathered individual case studies to share their experiences of waiting for a range of treatments, which helped form the recommendations in this report.
Findings from this work have been shared locally with the Population Boards, regionally with the West Yorkshire Integrated Care board and nationally with the Health Foundation.
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Please get in touch if you require the report in a different format. Either call 0113 898 0035, email info@westyorkshirehealthwatch.co.uk or text 07717 309 843.
What do people want to see change?
- More professionals able to access and streamline processes.
- Improved support for those waiting and alternative options for diagnosis.
- Investing in better support to reduce long-term cost.
- Enhanced staff training and accountability.
- Individualised support in schools for neurodivergent children.
- Listening to parents and carers and educating GPs on treatment options.
- Prioritising training for assessment providers and offering peer support while waiting.
- Tailored support for children and parenting courses on neurodivergent children.
- Utilising autism pre-screening tools to avoid unnecessary therapy sessions.
- Creating an app for diagnosis and support.
- Using a human rights equality approach and social model of disability.