Introduce maximum waiting times for urgent NHS treatment
Require NHS England to introduce legally enforceable maximum waiting time standards for patients referred urgently for diagnostic investigations and specialist treatment where delays may impact patient safety.
Signatures
21
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000
- 25 MAR 2026Petition rejectedalready-happening
There are already maximum waiting times for services commissioned by the NHS in England. We're therefore not exactly sure what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do. You can find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england You could start a new petition explaining exactly what you'd like to see. For example, we could accept a petition calling for a specific change to the current maximum waiting times, if that's something that you'd like to see.
- 20 FEB 2026Petition created
Background
Many patients across the UK, including those with urgent referrals, face long waits for diagnostic tests and specialist treatment despite serious symptoms. Delays can worsen health conditions, increase anxiety and risk preventable harm. National waiting time protections would help ensure timely and safe access to care.