Following the publication of the latest data on NHS performance, the Health Foundation commented that the election of a new Labour government is a significant moment for the health service, which is "arguably experiencing the worst crisis in its 76-year history".
Commenting on the publication of the NHS monthly performance statistics, and the annual GP patient experience survey, Tim Gardner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said:
"While there are no quick fixes, with the right blend of policy change, innovation and investment, the new government can put the NHS back on its feet.
"The latest statistics serve as a stark reminder of the huge mountain to climb. The NHS waiting time standards Labour has pledged to meet by the end of this parliament have now been routinely missed for nearly a decade. Performance is at or close to the worst levels on record, with 7.6 million waiting for routine hospital care and a quarter waiting over four hours in A&E.
"The latest GP patient survey shows that while patients' overall experience of general practice remains positive, too many people are struggling to get through to their practice. The government’s recent announcement of renewed focus on NHS performance is welcome, but as these data show there is no time for delaying the urgent action that is needed.
"The government has made economic growth its primary mission but a thriving economy can only be built on the foundations of a healthy population. To succeed, the government must take a long-term approach to create a strong, sustainable NHS alongside renewed action on the wider social and economic factors that shape people’s health."
