Gynaecology waits worsen for third month as demand rises, RCOG warns

The gynaecology waiting list now stands at 575,870, with new referrals rising by 14.6% to almost 135,000, an increase of more than 17,000 on the previous month. This is despite the overall elective waiting list decreasing slightly. 

More than 11,000 patients have now been waiting over a year for gynaecology care, with the number increasing by 0.8% from the previous month. While the proportion of patients seen within the Government's 18-week standard improved slightly, from 60.9% to 61%, gynaecology continues to perform below the overall elective position of 65.8%. 

Behind these figures are women and girls waiting for gynaecology care who may be living with pain, debilitating symptoms or conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding, which can have a significant impact on their health and quality of life. 

At the beginning of the year, the RCOG said that 2026 must be a turning point for women's health. The Government has recently stated that the renewed Women's Health Strategy would "ensure gynaecology waiting lists fall" and expand the number of surgical hubs so women can be diagnosed and treated sooner. 

But the latest figures show we have not yet seen the change needed. Since the Strategy was renewed in April, the gynaecology waiting list has continued to grow, while demand has increased significantly. Action is needed now. The Government must ensure the commitments in the renewed Strategy are delivered and backed by the investment needed to reduce waiting lists and ensure women can access timely care. 

The RCOG is calling on the Government to make tackling gynaecology waiting lists a priority, delivering the commitments in the renewed Women's Health Strategy and the investment needed to make them a reality. 

The College will continue to monitor the monthly gynaecology waiting list data and press for action to ensure women and girls can access the care they need without unacceptable delays.