Welcome fall in waiting lists but strikes will jeopardise hard-won progress

Responding to the latest NHS performance figures, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles said:

“These figures show NHS staff are working flat out to deliver more care to patients with waiting lists falling and tests, checks and treatments soaring despite record levels of demand. 

“A&Es faced their busiest month ever and ambulance services are still under huge strain, despite pulling out all the stops to see the sickest patients sooner. There’s been no let-up for under strain mental health or community services either.

“Trust leaders now face the bleak prospect of a full five-day walkout by resident doctors jeopardising this hard-won progress to cut waiting lists and efforts to see patients quicker. The focus now will be on planning to ensure services are as safe as possible for patients.”