Responding to new modelling on meeting the NHS 18-week target from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Trust leaders don't want patients to wait a moment longer than needed for vital care and are doing all they can to see patients as quickly as possible. But sometimes it feels like they’re running just to stand still.

"Hard-won progress on delivering more checks, tests and treatments is being offset by soaring demand and more people joining waiting lists.

"It’s not surprising then that modelling by the IFS confirms findings from our recent survey, which found nearly three quarters of trust leaders (71%) thought it was unlikely that the NHS could meet key health targets, such as the 18-week standard for planned hospital treatment, over the next five years.

"But they’re not giving up - far from it. Alongside implementing the elective reform plan, they’re doing everything they can to boost productivity across the NHS and minimise long waits across all parts of the NHS, including mental health, ambulance and community services.

"Trust leaders will also continue to tackle the root causes of poor health and health inequalities in their communities, which must not be sidelined while the shake-up across the NHS plays out."