New government faces early test as first NHS performance figures are published

The latest NHS performance statistics point to continued strain across the health service this summer, including the highest A&E attendances on record and corridor care, long waiting lists, delayed discharges as well as the added pressure of extreme heat.

These are the first performance figures to be released since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, and they set out clearly what the new government, NHS leadership and frontline staff are now up against as they try to keep care running under difficult circumstances.

Urgent and emergency care remains under particular strain: 2.49 million people attended A&E in July – the busiest month on record over 47,000 waited more than 12 hours, and emergency departments reported an average of 728 instances of corridor care each day. These numbers reflect a combination of factors, such as sustained demand, workforce shortages, and seasonal pressures such as periods of extreme heat, which tend to push services even harder. 

RCP clinical vice president Dr Hilary Williams said:   

‘Today's data provide an important snapshot of the current state of the health service and the significant task facing this new government, NHS organisations and staff as they aim to provide high quality care for patients in challenging conditions.

‘Behind these figures are growing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions, often requiring more complex and coordinated care across different parts of the health system. At the same time, NHS services are having to respond to additional pressures, including periods of extreme heat that can increase demand, affect vulnerable patients and place further strain on staff and healthcare infrastructure.

‘Every day our members feel these pressures. We recognise the scale of this challenge facing the new government, that will require long-term planning and sustained commitment across government, the NHS and social care.’