Responding to the Public Accounts Committee report on reducing NHS waiting times, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said:

“No patient should wait longer for treatment than needed, but this report shows just how problematic it can be when government ambition isn't matched with the necessary investment. The reality is that to turn around waiting times, much more needs be done to increase capacity, including of staff, beds and facilities. Simply asking an already depleted workforce to do more with less was always going to be a struggle.

“The fact that targets are on course to be missed speaks to a wider problem about the lack of joined-up thinking at the heart of government. Right now, the very experts who know how best to make the health and care system work are facing redundancy from NHS England and Integrated Care Boards.

“At next week’s budget, we need the chancellor to deliver the funding needed to get things back on track. That means new investment to grow the nursing workforce and improve capacity and facilities across the NHS. Not acting now will be a missed opportunity and put patients at even greater risk.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Public Accounts Committee report - Reducing NHS waiting times for elective care