Conclusion 7

We also received written submissions from a range of individuals and organisations including clinicians and academics, royal colleges representing medical disciplines, care providers, think tanks and charitable organisations. A full list of the written evidence we received is available on the inquiry page of the Committee’s website.11 Particular issues and concerns drawn to our attention included: • demand for elective care is increasing, placing pressure on waiting lists, due to both an ageing population and other social and economic factors contributing to ill health; • there is a shortfall in capacity due to the under-resourcing of specialist care and high competition for specialty training; • discussion on elective care has focused more on hospital care and more focus on community-based care may be necessary; • research suggests that there are regional inequalities in waiting times for elective care and diagnosis; • ageing digital infrastructure can cause delays and constrain productivity; and 6 Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Health and Social Care, 10 September 2025 7 C&AG’s Report, para 2; 2.13 8 Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Health and Social Care, 10 September 2025 9 C&AG’s Report, para 2 10 C&AG’s Report, para 11 11 Committee of Public Accounts, Reducing NHS waiting times for elective care written evidence 7 • long waits for elective care can negatively affect patient and staff wellbeing and safety. Progress against elective care waiting time targets