• NHS England and NHS Improvement have published the latest combined performance figures.
• A&E performance for the non-pilots stands at 86.4% - a long way short of the 95% standard and 4.4 percentage points lower than the same time last year.
• All three major cancer standards were missed, which is only the second time this has happened. Two-week wait: 90.8% against 93% target; 31-day wait: 95.97% against 96% target; 62-day wait: 77.5% against 85% target.
• RTT waiting list now at 4.39 million, a new record high and up 2.1% on the previous month.
  
  

Responding to the latest combined performance figures from NHS England and NHS Improvement, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:

“Historically, the summer months have been a time of year when the NHS could catch its breath and recover performance following high demand over the winter. The monthly performance figures, including those released today, show that this is no longer the case. Demand continues to rise placing sustained pressure on frontline services.

Historically, the summer months have been a time of year when the NHS could catch its breath and recover performance following high demand over the winter. The monthly performance figures, including those released today, show that this is no longer the case.

Miriam Deakin    Co-Director of Development and Engagement

“Today’s figures reflect the worst performance against the four hour A&E target for the month of June since records began, with major emergency departments reporting 78.8% patients seen within 4 hours, considerably below the target of 95%.

“Despite ensuring fewer people now wait longer than a year for planned care, the NHS waiting list continues to grow and has reached 4.4million.

“It is also troubling that all three of the key cancer performance targets have been missed over the previous month. Delays in diagnosis and treatment impact on patient experience and on clinical outcomes.

“It is now time to recognise the year-round pressures facing our health and care system.

We must address these with sufficient capacity both within hospitals and in the community and by investing the capital funding the NHS needs to maintain modern and efficient services and facilities.

Miriam Deakin    Co-Director of Development and Engagement

“We must address these with sufficient capacity both within hospitals and in the community and by investing the capital funding the NHS needs to maintain modern and efficient services and facilities.

“We must also do all we can to support the well being of NHS staff, address widespread vacancies and ensure staff are appropriately rewarded for their skills and commitment. This means addressing the very serious pensions issue which is leading senior consultants to reduce their hours, resulting in yet more delays for patients.”