North East patients receive faster NHS care than national average

NHS services across the North East and North Cumbria have outperformed national averages for planned treatment, diagnostic tests and emergency care, according to a new regional report.

More than 70% of patients received a planned operation or procedure within 18 weeks of speaking to their GP during 2025/26, compared with 62% nationally. Six surgical hubs are now operating across the region to increase capacity and reduce waiting times.

Diagnostic performance was also stronger, with more than 88% of patients receiving a test or scan within six weeks of referral. The equivalent national figure was 78%, while new community diagnostic centres delivered more than 306,000 tests and scans during the year.

In emergency care, more than 78% of patients were seen within four hours of arriving at an emergency department, against a national rate of 74%. The North East Ambulance Service was also reported to have achieved the fastest response times in England across every category during 2025/26.

The findings appear in the annual report from the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative, which brings together 11 NHS foundation trusts serving more than 3.2 million people. Priorities for the coming year include expanding diagnostic centres and surgical hubs, improving digital services and developing shared workforce plans.

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