Trusts face relentless rise in demand through the summer
12 September 2019
- NHS England and NHS Improvement have published the latest combined performance figures.
- The figures show that there has been slightly fewer A&E attendances compared to last month, but is still the highest August figure on record.
- A&E performance dropped marginally to 86.3%, from 86.5% last month.
- RTT percentage treated within 18 weeks drops to 85.8%, a new record low.
- The 31 day standard for cancer was met.
Responding to the latest monthly performance figures from NHS England/Improvement, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:
“With the highest ever August A&E attendances on record, today’s figures highlight how hard trusts are working to stabilise performance despite more people accessing emergency care.
Demand is up 6.4% on the same point last year, and yet trusts broadly managed to maintain their performance this summer.
Co-Director of Development and Engagement
“Demand is up 6.4% on the same point last year, and yet trusts broadly managed to maintain their performance this summer. This is due – in large part – to the sheer dedication and discretionary effort of NHS staff.
“However, with winter coming up, these figures are a concern. This is because in the past trusts have been able to improve performance during the summer months, but as these figures show, that just hasn’t been possible this year.
The likelihood is that this winter will be a very testing time for trusts. We anticipate that performance will slip even further, with patients waiting longer for treatment across various services.
Co-Director of Development and Engagement
“The likelihood is that this winter will be a very testing time for trusts. We anticipate that performance will slip even further, with patients waiting longer for treatment across various services.
“Trusts are working with local system partners to prepare for the winter pressures. But unlike previous years trusts have not yet received any additional winter funding from the government to assist with these vital plans.”