NEW DATA from the NHS shows that waiting lists for patients in the South East are at their lowest in nearly three years.
The health service says that patients across the region are receiving faster diagnoses, needing fewer appointments, and getting more convenient care with waiting lists now the lowest they been since May 2023.
The newly-released data shows that at the end of December last year, 1.79 million people in the South East were on the waiting list to begin treatment, the lowest number since May 2023 when 1.81 million people were waiting.
Trusts across the region are going further and faster than ever before, embracing new technologies and AI to cut waiting times, speed up care and boost productivity.
From robotic surgeries, AI cataract care, one stop shops for common conditions, diagnostics closer to home and remote monitoring, NHS teams are redesigning how people access care to help slash waiting times with the region seeing the largest proportional reduction in the waiting list since pre-covid.
One of the areas where the region is leading the way is the use of AI to speed up access to care and improve productivity.
Previously cataract surgery patients in the South East faced multiple appointments and long waits before receiving treatment.
A new AI‑enabled cataract service, known as DORA, is simplifying the process and helping people get surgery sooner.
DORA replaces several pre‑ and post‑operative appointments with automated, clinically validated AI conversations that guide patients through checks, scheduling and follow‑ups.
It also helps people choose where to have their surgery using real‑time information on waiting times and travel distances.
Automated post‑operative assessments are freeing up almost 90,000 follow‑up appointments a year and almost 22,000 nursing hours – allowing patients to recover at home while ensuring those with complications are identified quickly for care.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said: “Across the South East, teams are embracing new technology, smarter routes to care and more joined‑up working to improve care for patients.
“These innovations are already delivering faster diagnosis, fewer delays and more personalised support which is clear through the reduction in the waiting list in the region.
“We are committed to continuing to go further and faster so every patient benefits from the very best the NHS can offer.”
