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NHS Improvement report on performance is evidence of ‘system under strain’, says NHS Confederation
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, responded to NHS Improvement’s latest performance report
“If you wanted evidence of a system under strain – this is it. The start of this year saw 220,000 more patients attending accident and emergency departments. A further 70,000 more needed admittance. Hospitals and community services ended last year £960 million in deficit, routine operations had to be cancelled and more than 2,500 patients are now waiting more than a year for their operation.
“In spite of heroic efforts by staff, too many patients are being let down by an understaffed and underfunded system.
“This is not just about hospitals. The whole system is struggling to cope.
“The recent report we commissioned from the Institute for Fiscal Studies demolished the idea that the current system and funding levels are sustainable. Without new ways of delivering services and sustained investment, NHS and social care services will not cope, and we will face a decade – let alone a winter – of misery in which the old, the sick and the vulnerable will be let down.”
Notes to editors:
- The NHS Confederation represents 85 per cent of NHS providers and commissioners. The organisation has nearly 500 members across health and social care, including hospitals, community and mental health providers, ambulance trusts and independent sector organisations providing NHS care. It is the only membership body to bring together and speak on behalf of the whole NHS.
- Follow the NHS Confederation press office on Twitter @NHSConfed_Press.
- A full list of NHS Confederation press releases and statements can be accessed at its media centre.
- For media queries, contact Neil Durham (Media and Communications Manager - 020 7799 8671 / neil.durham@nhsconfed.org); Jim Palmer (Senior Media Officer - 020 7799 8664 / jim.palmer@nhsconfed.org) or Dan Keel (Head of Communications - 020 7799 8637 / daniel.keel@nhsconfed.org). For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call the Duty Press Officer on 07880 500 726.
