Once again trusts are rising to the challenge

12 November 2020

Responding to the latest monthly combined performance data from NHS England and Improvement, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"With the milestone of 50,000 COVID-related deaths this week, no one should be in any doubt about the scale of the challenges trusts and frontline staff face as they deal with renewed COVID pressures and work to restore services disrupted by the pandemic.

"Trust leaders are keenly aware of the inconvenience, anxiety and distress for patients caused by any delays for diagnostic tests, treatment or consultations.

"But what we see in these figures is real evidence that once again the NHS is responding in extraordinarily difficult circumstances to provide the best possible care for patients, COVID and non-COVID.

Despite dealing with the second wave of the virus, trusts managed to meet the ambitious target for routine planned operations in September, reaching 80% of last year’s levels.

"Despite dealing with the second wave of the virus, trusts managed to meet the ambitious target for routine planned operations in September, reaching 80% of last year’s levels. That’s an extraordinary achievement.

"Trusts tell us they are determined to keep as much of this work going as possible, and we see no sign of waiting lists spiralling up to 10 million by October, as some predicted.

"With winter fast approaching, it’s worrying to see the number of people waiting longer than 12 hours in emergency departments before being admitted is beginning to rise.

"It’s important for the public to understand that the NHS was, is and never will be a COVID only service. If people have concerns they should seek help.

We know the pressures are likely to intensify in the coming weeks as winter makes its mark across the health and care system.

"We know the pressures are likely to intensify in the coming weeks as winter makes its mark across the health and care system. This will require acute, ambulance, mental health and community trusts to work with partners across primary and social care to ensure patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.

"It is going to be extremely tough, particularly on frontline staff, many of whom are exhausted and some of them traumatised by their experiences of the pandemic. We owe them so much.

"But while acknowledging the real urgency of addressing delays reflected in these figures, it’s important too to recognise that the NHS has managed to keep a great deal of work on track while dealing with the second spike in COVID cases.

"Today we highlight seven case studies from a range of settings that exemplify the ingenuity, skills and commitment of trusts and frontline staff in the final edition of our Restoring services: NHS activity tracker."

Notes

Case study details include: