Thousands of NHS buildings in England today are older than the health service itself, according to figures published by the Liberal Democrats.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Far too many NHS buildings and equipment are in a very bad way and the situation is just getting worse year after year.

"The safety of patients and staff is at risk. NHS trusts have an £11bn-plus list of essential repairs waiting to be done and the backlog is mounting at an alarming rate.

"The eye-watering cost of trying to keep creaking buildings and out-of-date facilities going is soaring. We need a big injection of government investment so that mental health, community, hospital and ambulance services can tackle significant risks to patients and staff.

"To be properly equipped to give people first-class care the NHS needs safe, 21^st century buildings and facilities."