Long hard winter for the NHS

Responding to the latest winter sitrep figures published by NHS England, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"It’s already been a long hard winter for the NHS with no sign of any respite.

"The resurgence of flu and other bugs, compounded by the cold snap, has ratcheted up the pressure.

"Staff are doing all they can to ensure safe, timely care, often under very difficult circumstances.

"Their efforts – combined with improved winter planning and increased vaccinations – have made a real difference.

"It’s particularly encouraging to see the reduced ambulance response times, but the pressure is relentless and services are extremely stretched."