WIREDGOV

John Appleby, Chief Economist at The King’s Fund, commented on the latest figures released from the NHS.

‘Despite a very mild December, the figures reveal that 9 per cent of patients are waiting more than four hours to be treated in A&E, almost double the government target of 5 per cent. Nine out of 10 major A&E departments missed the target, a target that has not been met for 18 months nationally.

‘The proportion of patients still waiting for a planned hospital admission after 18 weeks has breached the target for the first time since it was introduced in April 2012. There are now 3.5 million people on the waiting list, this is equivalent to the populations of Greater Manchester, Bristol and Southampton combined.

‘These missed targets are symptomatic of wider pressures facing the NHS; it is struggling with a growing financial crisis while trying to meet growing demand. This is in spite of a financial settlement for the health service which, although generous compared to some other areas of spending, leaves the NHS in the grip of the biggest sustained funding squeeze it has ever faced.’

Further information is available at: 

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/combined-performance-summary/

Notes to editors: 

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

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and health 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.