NHS delivering more tests, checks and scans but waiting lists rising again

Responding to the publication of performance statistics for the NHS in England, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles said: 

“NHS staff are pulling out all the stops to deliver more tests, checks, and scans for patients, including for cancer care, but they’re running just to stand still with waiting lists rising again, more people coming forward for planned care, and urgent and emergency services under relentless pressure all-year round.  

“Mental health and community services are under increasing strain.

“If we’re going to make a real dent in waiting lists and get more patients seen faster, we need to change how to deliver healthcare. The shift to seeing patients closer to home and preventing sickness needs to happen quickly. 

“The phenomenal levels of care being delivered is testament to the hard work of our dedicated NHS staff. We now need every part of the health and care system needs to come together to make the ambitions of the 10-year health plan a reality sooner rather than later.”