WIREDGOV

Richard Murray, Director of Policy for The King’s Fund, said 'In the run up to next week’s Autumn Statement, this report is another reminder of the huge financial and operational pressures facing the NHS and social care. The rapid rate of increase in the number of delayed discharges from hospital during the last quarter is the most stark example of these pressures and highlights the impact of cuts in social care budgets.

'For this reason, the most pressing priority for the Autumn Statement is to address the critical state of social care. With an increasingly threadbare system taking an unacceptable toll on older people, their families and carers, finding more money for social care is an early test of the Prime Minister’s commitment to a more equal country that works for everyone.

'A year-to-date deficit of £648 million represents good progress compared to this time last year and reflects the hard work going into tackling deficits in NHS trusts up and down the country. Nevertheless, with our analysis earlier this week showing widespread concerns that trusts fear they may miss their financial and efficiency targets, the second half of the year is likely to prove more challenging than the first.'

View related information and report: https://improvement.nhs.uk/resources/quarterly-performance-nhs-provider-sector-quarter-2-1617/

Notes to editors: 

The King’s Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible care is available to all.

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact The King’s Fund Press and Public Affairs team on 020 7307 2585 (if calling out of hours, please ring 07584 146035).