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

“Today’s figures show just how hard trusts and frontline staff are working to restore services for non COVID-19 patients.

“They are doing this in the context of various constraints, such as a reduction in available diagnostic testing equipment and ambulance capacity due to the need for deeper and more frequent cleaning between patient treatments, and additional time needed to wear and change personal protective equipment.

“While many people have had to wait longer than usual for treatments due to the need to focus on COVID-19, the figures highlight the commitment and hard work being undertaken by frontline staff to boost activity with the aim of returning to pre COVID levels of service as quickly as possible.

While many people have had to wait longer than usual for treatments due to the need to focus on COVID-19, the figures highlight the commitment and hard work being undertaken by frontline staff to boost activity.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

“Although the figures show there are over four million people on a waiting list for elective care and those waiting over 18 weeks has significantly increased, the number of operations carried out has increased by more than 50% since June and is up by almost 250% since April. Additionally, in July 25% more diagnostic tests were carried out than in June.

“The number of people who attended an outpatient appointment following an urgent referral by their GP for suspected cancer is also up 17% on last month, and the number of people with cancer who started treatment following receipt of an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer is also up 19%.

“There has also been a significant increase in the number of people attending A&E since April, with emergency rooms treating 88% more people.

The recovery from the peak of the pandemic was always going to require step by step increases in activity and the NHS is well on the way to restoring services.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

“The recovery from the peak of the pandemic was always going to require step by step increases in activity and the NHS is well on the way to restoring services. We are in a much better place than many would have predicted a few months ago.

“We should not focus solely on what COVID-19 has stopped the NHS doing. We must also recognise how rapidly acute, mental health, community and ambulance trusts are recovering services working across the entire health and care system to keep people safe.

“These figures highlight that the NHS is open for everyone and people must come forward to seek treatment if they need it.”