NHS pressures lead to longer emergency waits

In the last year the number of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E has risen by 19 per cent, according to a King’s Fund report.

The health service is facing the longest period of financial constraint in its history, the report states.

While it concludes that the NHS is “holding up”, it suggests the health service is entering a period of significant risk which could jeopardise progress made in the last decade.

The report, which analyses the state of the health service halfway through the coalition Government’s term in office, states that financial pressures on the health service could begin to impact patient care as early as next year.

It claims major organisational changes and the loss of experienced managers could leave the NHS in a precarious position.

It also highlights the number of trusts which are in financial difficulty.

“The NHS remains in the foothills of what is certain to be the longest period of financial constraint in its history,” the report states.

“Already there are signs that the impact on patient care could be felt as early as 2013.

“There is also an increasing number of providers – including foundation trusts and NHS trusts – in financial distress, with some experiencing serious challenges in delivering services of an acceptable quality.”

King’s Fund policy director Anna Dixon said: “Neither competition nor commissioning reform alone can be relied on to make the improvements needed. Fundamental change will be required to address the challenges of the future as the population ages and health needs change.”

Health Minister Lord Howe said: “NHS care, particularly for older people, needs to improve.

“This is a priority for us, and we are clear that the NHS should make significant improvements in these areas. But to keep pace with an ageing population, and more and more patients with long term diseases, the NHS must change so that patients can get the best treatment and care they need, when they need it.”

Mike Farrar, NHS Confederation chief executive, added: “A growing number of organisations are finding themselves being pushed towards a cliff edge and tough decisions need to be taken if they are to recover their financial footing and deliver better care.

“The NHS is undergoing significant change and its structure will become more complex as a result of the Government’s reforms. But the NHS has experienced change many times before, and will continue to do its utmost to deliver for patients and the wider public.”