NHS stats highlight enduring pressures on A&E

Responding to today's NHS monthly performance statistics, Francesca Cavallaro, Senior Analytical Manager at the Health Foundation said:

'Today’s data highlight the sheer scale of the pressures the NHS faced this winter.

'The strain has been felt most acutely in emergency services with patients facing unacceptable waits for treatment. In March, nearly 47,000 patients waited over 12 hours in A&E before being admitted. And pressures outside hospitals are leaving thousands of people stranded in hospital waiting for services in the community. At the end of March, more than 13,200 patients remained in hospital despite being fit for discharge, much higher than the same time last year.

'The elective waiting list continues to fall though progress is slow, with 7.4 million still waiting for treatment in February. The winter has yet again exposed the huge impact on people using an overstretched health and care system. The upcoming 10-year health plan must aim to build an NHS, which can keep people well and out of hospital. But ending the cycle of annual winter crises won’t happen without urgent investment in adult social care, and a wider commitment in government to build a healthier nation and put prevention centre stage.'

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Jessica Clinkett
jessica.clinkett@health.org.uk
020 7664 4647