Services remain severely stretched
19 February 2026
Rory Deighton responds to the latest winter sitrep figures from NHS England.
Ambulance
Delivery and performance
Responding to the latest winter sitrep data from NHS England, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director speaking on behalf of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation said:
"Winter pressures on the NHS are relentless and services remain severely stretched.
"Bed occupancy is worryingly high and ambulance teams are working flat out.
"Yet despite exceptional demand, overall handover times from ambulances into hospitals have improved on last year.
"The uptick in norovirus is a real concern. Everyone can play their part in curbing the spike in cases by taking sensible hygiene precautions."
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