New data shows that South Tees NHS services have helped deliver major reductions in treatment backlogs this winter.

National figures from NHS England confirm waiting lists are falling at one of the fastest rates in 15 years. November saw the waiting list fall by more than 86,000 – the second-biggest drop outside the pandemic since 2010.

South Tees NHS Trust’s participation in elective recovery programmes has created thousands of extra appointments and faster diagnostics for local patients, contributing to significant progress in cutting delays.

The progress came despite the NHS’s busiest ever year, with 27.8 million A&E attendances in 2025 – up by over 367,000 on 2024, with 2.33 million attendances in December alone. Ambulance incidents, flu admissions and norovirus cases all surged over recent months, yet productivity and treatment times continued to improve due to evening and weekend clinics, expanded community diagnostic centres and smarter technology. South Tees hospitals created 4,000 extra appointment slots in 12 months by optimising outpatient clinics.

The news follows major investment in health services from the Labour Government, including a record £29 billion at the Spending Review to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.

Luke Myer MP said:

“South Tees is showing what’s possible when our NHS is backed with the funding and support to modernise and expand capacity.

“Thousands of Teesside families are now getting faster treatment and fewer cancelled appointments, and people are getting back to work sooner. There’s a long way to go, but the data is clear: investment and reform are delivering real progress for patients on Teesside.

“Thank you to the incredible NHS staff whose hard work make it possible.”