Responding to Labour's plan to cut NHS waiting lists by increasing out-of-hours work so patients can be treated more quickly, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"With care backlogs at a record high, any attempt to address this is of course welcome. NHS staff working evening and weekend shifts is one way to improve timely patient care.

"Some innovative trusts are already doing this, as well as pooling staff and sharing waiting lists with neighbouring trusts to cut wait times. Trusts would therefore welcome a £1.1bn investment to scale up this approach.

"However, it's critical that underlying issues facing healthcare also be addressed. There are more than 125,000 staff shortages in the NHS, with official figures showing nearly a third of the existing workforce feel burned out.

"Health unions are also striking across the country due to staff dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, which is taking a huge toll on patients, staff and budgets.

"These challenges must be tackled – including both sides of the pay dispute finding a resolution.

"Labour's plan needs to be part of a broader strategy that includes workforce growth and retention together with investment in healthcare infrastructure to ensure lasting improvements for NHS patients and staff alike."