Uphill struggle to get NHS back on track

Responding to the latest performance statistics for the NHS in England and the announcement by the health and social care secretary to launch an independent investigation into the state of the NHS, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Sir Julian Hartley said:

"Today's figures underline the huge uphill struggle facing the new government and health service leaders as they try to get NHS performance back on track.

"Waiting lists for planned care have increased again and the stresses and strains on emergency departments and ambulance services are plain for all to see. Emergency admissions and A&E attendances hit record highs for this time of year and too many patients face delays for ambulances to arrive and to receive care in our overstretched emergency departments.

"Trust leaders know they need to go further and faster for patients and this imperative is clearly top of the agenda for the new health and social care secretary, too.

"It is vital that both the NHS review led by Lord Ara Darzi and the upcoming 10-year plan look at the bigger picture and the pressures facing every aspect of the health and care system – from the front door to the back door, and beyond.

"The vital role and contribution of mental health, community, primary and social care services, which are far too often under-appreciated and overlooked in the search for quick fixes, must form a key part of the review and plan, too.

"It is important too, to acknowledge the hard work and innovation being driven by trusts and their partners across health and social care. Today's figures show more patients are having their cancer checks, planned scans, operations and tests.

"The NHS and social care face huge challenges, but there is a lot of good work to build on. Trust leaders and their teams are ready to work with the new government to ensure a better future for the NHS, its patients, staff and the communities it serves."