NHS England yesterday (10 November 2016) published combined performance data setting out a range of outcomes data and providing clear evidence that demand on the health service is increasing.
Between September 2015 and September 2016:
- the number of emergency admissions was 3.7% higher than in the preceding 12 month period
- the number of attendances at A&E was 4.6% higher than in the preceding 12 month period
- the number of diagnostic tests was 5.3% than in the preceding 12 month period
- the number of patients starting consultant-led treatment was 4% than in the preceding 12 month period
- the number of delayed transfers of care was 33% higher than in September 2015.
Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians responded saying:
‘NHS England’s combined data release reveals an NHS which is worryingly overstretched. Demand continues to increase, but the NHS has not been given the resources it needs to meet that demand. Earlier this year we published Underfunded, underdoctored, overstretched: the NHS in 2016, which warned that unless urgent action is taken to ensure that the NHS is adequately resourced, patient care will suffer. It is clear from the data released today that this happening across the NHS in England. We need an effective plan for the NHS that meets rising demand and invests in the long-term sustainability of the health service.’