"Trust leaders are doing everything they can to prevent patients waiting too long for care in A&E, particularly as the NHS heads into what’s expected to be another tough winter.

"But the challenges they face are huge.

"Busy emergency departments saw 1.2million more attendances this year compared to the same period pre-pandemic. The knock-on effect of rising patient demand and constrained capacity is being felt across the health and care system with long waits for patients not just in emergency departments but across mental health, community and ambulance services, too.

"With the Budget just a week away, trusts are hoping this year’s settlement will help them address the financial and operational challenges they face. Work also needs to start on rethinking rules on capital investment in the NHS so trusts can tackle the near-£14billion maintenance backlog, give patients safe surroundings and boost productivity."