The King’s Fund responds to latest NHS performance statistics

10 Nov 2016 01:03 PM

Richard Murray, Director of Policy at The King’s Fund, commented on the latest NHS performance statistics

‘It’s deeply concerning that the number of patients ready to be discharged but delayed in hospital is at a record level and is rising faster than ever before.

‘Delayed discharges are a third higher than this time last year and the rate of increase is accelerating.

‘The inexorable rise in the number of delayed discharges underlines the impact of cuts in social care on the NHS. Budget cuts and rising demand will leave adult social care facing a £1.9 billion funding gap next year. The government must address this in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

‘Deteriorating performance against A&E targets and longer waits for patients to get routine treatment once again highlight the impossible task of meeting rising demand for services while maintaining standards of care within current funding constraints.’

View statistics:  Combined Performance Summary, September 2016

Notes to editors: 

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