A LOCAL MP has raised his concerns about increasing waiting times for patients in his constituency to get treatment from the NHS.

James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has responded to new data that shows a significant rise in referral-to-treatment waiting times at the Mid and South Essex NHS ICB, which includes Basildon Hospital.

The latest figures reveal at the end of September 2025, only 52.8% of patients on the waiting list were treated within the 18-week target, which is compared with 53.9% a year earlier.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of people waiting more than a year for treatment.

At the end of September 2025, 14,700 patients had been waiting over a year for treatment, compared with September 2024, when 8,400 people were waiting over a year. This represents a 74.5% rise in unacceptable waiting times.

Mr McMurdock said: "Residents across Essex are paying record high taxes. For that, they rightly expect and deserve timely and accessible healthcare. These statistics for Mid and South Essex ICB show they are paying more and getting less. It is simply not good enough."

"My office is seeing the impact of these delays first-hand. Around 10% of the casework we handle is related to the difficulties people are facing accessing NHS treatment. These rising waiting lists reflect real anxieties and pressures for people."

Mr McMurdock also emphasised his continued support for NHS staff but said, "I won't accept excuses from senior managers. Basic standards are falling and there is no excuse for that."

He called for urgent action to reverse these trends.

"These figures must prompt urgent focus from national and regional leaders to bring waiting times down and ensure people receive the care they need in a timely manner."

"I will be pressing for clear plans to bring these waiting lists under control. My priority is to ensure that every resident in South Basildon and East Thurrock can access high-quality NHS care."