NHS Confederation responds to new report calling for more operating theatres and surgical staff to successfully tackle waiting lists

Responding to publication of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s 2025 UK Surgical Workforce Census Report, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:

“This report is right to highlight how important continued capital investment is going to be if the NHS is going to boost productivity and tackle the care backlog. A lack of investment has left the NHS having to cope with crumbling buildings and outdated equipment, which can risk patient safety and hamper productivity.

“NHS leaders are working incredibly hard to improve productivity, with high-intensity theatres helping get more activity from the existing workforce, while reforming outpatient services can reduce the number of cancelations and follow up appointments required.

“Health leaders need continued capital investment to create new facilities and fix the NHS' crumbling estate. That's why the decision in the Budget to allow private capital to be used to build new neighbourhood health centres in the English NHS is so important as a  first step to bringing vital investment into the health service. NHS leaders will hope further private capital can be leveraged to create new and upgraded facilities in hospitals and mental health services.”