NHS staff working in A&E departments have reported their busiest summer on record, with 4.6 million attendances in June and July, surpassing previous highs for these months. The busiest months on record occurred in 2024, with daily attendance peaking at 77,945 in May. Despite the high volume, over 75% of patients were assessed and treated within four hours in July, though this remains below the 95% target. Ambulance services experienced a 6% increase in 999 calls year-over-year, responding to over 753,300 incidents last month. The elective care waiting list rose to 7.62 million, compounded by four days of junior doctors’ strikes, which led to the rescheduling of over 61,000 appointments. The NHS met the 28-day cancer diagnosis standard for the second consecutive month, but bed capacity remains strained, with many patients experiencing extended hospital stays.
Source – Health Business