Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the NHS is deliberately limiting hospital appointments to help the Labour Government achieve its waiting list goals. Reports indicate that general practitioners have been advised to manage at least one in four referrals themselves rather than directing patients to hospitals.

Starting Wednesday, April 1, the NHS plans to implement these quotas as part of an effort to reduce waiting times. Dr. Luke Evans, the Shadow Health Minister, criticized the initiative, arguing that the aim to handle a quarter of referrals independently could negatively impact both healthcare providers and patients.

In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, he expressed concern, suggesting that this approach might be a strategy by Wes Streeting to control hospital access and manipulate waiting list figures.

Dr. Evans further implied that Labour’s strategy appears to involve restricting access to secondary care services.

This news follows comments by Health Secretary Wes Streeting earlier in March, where he cautioned that the Government might fall short of meeting all NHS performance targets by 2029.

During a speech in east London, Streeting acknowledged improvements within the NHS but admitted that the current state was still “far from satisfactory.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged that by July 2029, 92% of patients would be seen within 18 weeks for routine hospital treatments such as hip and knee replacements.

Mr Streeting said he believed that target would be met, but was unable to guarantee the same for all NHS performance standards.

GPs have been paid £20 for each case where they sought “advice and guidance” from a consultant instead of sending a patient to hospital.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, who chairs the British Medical Association’s GP committee, told the Telegraph the risks of the Government’s rationing scheme were a “huge concern” for every GP she speaks to.

She said the “politically driven” approach was “awful” for patients, adding: “It should be a huge concern for every patient.”

Hospitals have been paid £33 for each person removed under a scheme launched in 2025 which has reportedly seen millions of appointments crossed from lists.

The NHS has insisted the approach ensures waiting lists are correct, with the removal of people who have died, gone private or recovered.

An NHS spokesman said: “While the NHS delivered record numbers of appointments in 2025 and reduced the waiting list to its lowest level in three years, we have much further to go to ensure planned care is easier to access for patients.

“In addition to transforming how patients can book and manage their care through the NHS App, ‘advice and guidance’ has a major role to play in the coming years to support clinical decision-making and ensure patients are directed to the right specialist care as soon as possible.”