A new three-year plan will hand more power to local health leaders, cut red tape, and shift care into communities as the NHS targets millions fewer patients waiting for treatment and faster cancer diagnoses by 2029
As reported by National Health Executive, the NHS has unveiled a sweeping three-year overhaul designed to speed up treatment, ease pressure on hospitals, and end years of stop-start planning. The new Medium Term Planning Framework, titled Delivering Change Together (2026/27 to 2028/29), promises faster care for millions through what leaders call the service’s most ambitious reset in a generation.
The plan targets a 2.5 million cut in waiting lists, faster cancer treatment for 190,000 more patients, and easier access to GPs and tests. It hands power to local NHS leaders, tears up outdated rules, and clears the bureaucracy that’s been holding care back.
By 2028/29, the NHS wants 85% of cancer patients to start treatment within 62 days, 80% of community health services delivered within 18 weeks, and 96% of patients beginning treatment within a month of diagnosis.
To achieve this, more care will move from hospitals to neighbourhood teams and diagnostic hubs, while GPs will offer faster access, including same-day appointments for urgent cases. The NHS App will also become the main front door to care, with 95% of post-triage appointments available online.
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