NHS leaders warn of longer waiting times if demand for extra £3bn not met

<p>Key Labour pledge under threat as health service faces costs from redundancies, strikes and rising drug prices</p><p>NHS bosses are seeking an emergency injection of £3bn to cover unexpected costs and have warned ministers that without it patients will wait longer for treatment and hospitals will start rationing care.</p><p>Their move presents a fresh problem for Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, as she tries to find ways to fill an estimated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/23/rachel-reeves-is-considering-raising-income-tax-to-reduce-deficit-sources-say">£30bn hole</a> in the nation’s finances in her budget next month.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/27/nhs-leaders-demand-extra-funding-waiting-times">Continue reading...</a>