Performance figures reveal pressures continue to grow
10 November 2016
- Performance statistics for September 2016 reveal a long-term trend of greater volumes of urgent and emergency care and elective activity
- Delayed transfers of care are at record levels
- We say NHS providers are performing commendably, but without additional financial support for health and social care, there is a risk that the progress achieved so far may now be lost
There were 196,246 delayed days in September 2016, compared to 147,738 in the same month the year before - the highest number since monthly data were first collected in August 2010.
This level of increase is not sustainable with current resources
Commenting on the figures, NHS Providers head of analysis, Siva Anandaciva, said:
"The September performance figures show the NHS is working flat out to maintain accessible high-quality services for patients.
However, we continue to see growing pressures, reflected by rising attendances at A&E and increases in emergency admissions. Attendances at A&E departments alone are up by nearly 5% and this level of increase is not sustainable with current resources. The figures for delayed transfers of care, at record levels, are also particularly worrying and a sign of a wider health and social care system that is under tremendous stress.
Without additional financial support for health and social care, there is a real risk that the progress achieved over several years may now be lost
NHS providers are performing commendably, but the demands they face are only likely to increase as we move into winter and the most challenging period for NHS services. Without additional financial support for health and social care, there is a real risk that the progress achieved for patients on access and quality over several years may now be lost."