The government has announced new funding towards two million extra NHS appointments.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

“Any extra assistance to tackle waiting lists is welcome. Reducing waiting times is a top priority for leaders across hospital, mental health, ambulance and community health services.

“NHS trust leaders and their teams are giving everything they’ve got to see patients as quickly as possible and continue to cut the longest waits for treatment in the face of rising demand, major workforce challenges and huge financial pressures. But still too many people are waiting too long for care.

“Trust leaders hope that the government’s Budget will equip them to meet the many big challenges facing the NHS. It’s positive that work has started on the government’s 10-year plan for the NHS which will need to address longer-term sustainability for 'next generation' health services.”