HEALTH service bosses have warned that Labour is facing almost certain failure to achieve its plans to cut NHS waiting lists down to 18 weeks.

They say that the scale of the problem and lack of money is seeing the 7.6 million NHS waiting list filled up again as soon as it is reduced.

The warning comes in a damning report from NHS Providers, representing the 209 trusts who provide health services, including hospitals, ambulances and mental health, in Britain.

In its annual State of the Provider Sector survey of trusts, the organisation found a “fundamental mismatch” between demand for services and what the NHS is able to do.

It warned that Labour’s manifesto commitment to reduce waiting times to 18 weeks in its 10-year plan for the NHS could face failure without more investment.

The top three biggest issues are the delayed discharge of patients from hospital beds once fit to leave, social care capacity, and the number of beds.

It comes after the Labour government outlined its ambition to ensure 92 per cent of patients receive care within 18 weeks within the next five years.

To meet the target, it has pledged to deliver an extra two million NHS appointments a year.

John Puntis, retired paediatrician and co-chair of Keep Our NHS Public, said: “The recent budget settlement may pause continuing deterioration in services but is far too small to drive clear improvements. 

“To meet the 18-week target much more investment in staff and facilities — more in line with comparable European countries — will be required. 

“It is also essential that extra money goes to the NHS and not to build private-sector capacity.”

Unison deputy head of health Alan Lofthouse said: “Conservative governments persistently underfunded the NHS, leaving it unable to meet growing demand. 

“The pandemic backlog has made things worse. There will continue to be delays and long waits while the NHS remains many thousands of staff short.

“Investing in the workforce to keep experienced staff and encourage others to join is vital. 

“So too is ensuring social care gets the resources and reform it so desperately needs.”

The Department of Health and Social Care was contacted for comment.