Responding to the new Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on NHS backlogs and waiting times, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"Trust leaders are working extremely hard to tackle the backlogs and have made remarkable progress towards eliminating 78-week waits by April given the mounting pressures they face. However, a very tough winter, the impact of industrial action and vast workforce shortages are just some of the challenges threatening to undermine these efforts.

"The government opening talks with all striking unions will be key to resolving pay disputes and averting more strikes. The national workforce plan, which needs to be fully funded by the government, should also go some way to address staff shortages and equip the NHS with the resources it needs.

"Backlogs exist across the whole system – including mental health, community and social care – so an inclusive approach will also be key to sustainable recovery of elective care."