Sky News Investigation Exposes NHS Efficiency Truth: Labour’s Promises Fall Short

A hard-hitting investigation by Sky News, in collaboration with fact-checking organisation Full Fact, has revealed that the Labour Government’s claim of a “massive increase” in NHS appointments since taking office in July 2024 does not hold up, casting doubt on their assertions of improved efficiency. The findings, based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, show that Labour’s progress lags behind the previous Conservative Government, raising questions about whether Labour is selectively presenting data to bolster its leadership credentials.

Investigation Details: Promises vs. Reality

Sky News’ investigation uncovered that during Labour’s tenure (July 2024 to March 2025), NHS hospital appointment growth (covering non-emergency surgeries, outpatient visits, and diagnostic tests) was just 3%, compared to 3.9% under the Conservatives in the prior year (April 2023 to March 2024). Labour pledged to deliver an additional 2 million annual appointments (40,000 weekly) to cut waiting times and boost NHS efficiency. However, the investigation found that hospital appointment growth has not only failed to achieve the promised “massive increase” but has actually slowed, contradicting Labour’s upbeat narrative.

Key Data Points:

• Waiting List Crisis: As of March 2024, 6.25 million patients were awaiting 7.42 million treatments, affecting over 10% of England’s population. While the number waiting over a year dropped from 400,000 in August 2023 to 300,000 by June 2024, Labour’s goal to eliminate 18-week-plus waits within five years remains distant.
• Treatment Delays: Only 57.2% of patients received treatment within 18 weeks, well below the 92% target, highlighting slow progress in clearing post-pandemic backlogs.
• Ambulance Response Times: Category 2 incidents (serious but non-life-threatening emergencies) saw response times improve from 50 minutes to 36 minutes 23 seconds, yet this still falls short of the 18-minute target.

Sky News, citing the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Nuffield Trust, described Labour’s 2-million-appointment target as “not particularly ambitious.” Sarah Scobie, Deputy Director at Nuffield Trust, called it “very modest,” insufficient to restore NHS waiting lists to pre-pandemic levels or achieve Labour’s vision of a “future-fit NHS” outlined in its 10 Year Health Plan.

Labour’s Reforms: Progress or Stagnation?

Since taking power, Labour has rolled out measures to enhance NHS efficiency:

• Digital Transformation: A £3.4 billion investment in IT modernisation aims to have 70% of elective treatment bookings managed via the NHS app.
• Staff Support: A 3.6% pay rise for NHS staff (5.4% for junior doctors) and agreements with unions have ended junior doctor strikes.
• Structural Overhaul: Plans to abolish NHS England, integrating its functions into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and cut operating costs of 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) by 50% to redirect resources to frontline services.
• Long-Term Vision: The 10 Year Health Plan shifts focus from hospital-based care to community services, emphasising prevention and data-driven healthcare.

Yet, challenges persist:

• Waiting List Surge: In May 2025, NHS waiting lists rose for the first time in seven months, underscoring seasonal pressures.
• Dental Service Struggles: NHS dental contract reforms have stalled, with the current system deemed outdated, limiting access.
• Staff Pressures: Ongoing disputes over GP contracts and declining staff willingness to work overtime hinder appointment growth.

Experts and Public Weigh In

Expert Analysis:

• IFS: Labour’s target is technically achievable, but a 3% funding growth rate (compared to 7% in the 2000s Labour era) limits long-term impact. Restoring pre-pandemic productivity could equate to an additional £19 billion in services.
• Nuffield Trust: Scobie warned that Labour’s modest targets cannot address an ageing population or post-pandemic demand spikes, urging greater investment.
• Health Analysts: While optimistic about digital reforms, analysts stress execution challenges and the need for robust staff support.

Public Reaction: Public sentiment is mixed, with some accusing Labour of “massaging data” to inflate achievements, while others feel Sky News underplays progress, such as improved ambulance response times. A YouGov poll reveals 60% of the public lack confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s NHS pledges, with only 30% expressing trust.

Government’s Defence

Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged NHS challenges but defended Labour’s record, highlighting the £3.4 billion digital investment and strike resolutions. He noted the drop in year-long waits as early progress and vowed to reduce 18-week-plus waits to under 8% by the next election. Streeting insisted government data aligns with NHS England’s official statistics, dismissing claims of misrepresentation, but sidestepped questions on the slowdown in hospital appointment growth.

Conclusion: A Test of Trust

Sky News’ investigation lays bare the gap between Labour’s NHS efficiency claims and reality, with hospital appointment growth falling short of promises. While Labour has made strides in resolving strikes and investing in digital tools, funding constraints and execution hurdles limit progress. As public trust wanes—only 12% believe the NHS has improved—Labour must deliver transparent data and bold policies to restore confidence and prove its leadership surpasses that of the Conservatives.