Responding to NHS England’s latest winter situation reports, Nick Ville, Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation said: “These figures show how vital NHS frontline services are being stretched as hospitals struggle more than ever to see patients within four hours of going into A&E. All parts of the NHS are under intense pressure and this is set to continue.

There is, however, some good news. Fewer patients than last year occupy beds long-term – and this number continues to drop.

Frontline staff can be proud of battling the odds to care for growing numbers of patients across the country, every minute, hour and day.

But we know this isn’t sustainable and we need to find better ways of delivering care to an aging population with ever-more complex needs.

Patients should see some of this intense pressure ease if the new NHS Long Term Plan, with its emphasis on joined-up community care, is implemented well.”