This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-50397856

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Hospitals 'imploding' as waits at worst-ever level Hospitals 'imploding' as waits at worst-ever level
(32 minutes later)
More patients than ever before are on hospital waiting lists in England and delays in A&E have hit their worst level since records began.More patients than ever before are on hospital waiting lists in England and delays in A&E have hit their worst level since records began.
The target to start cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral is also being missed.The target to start cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral is also being missed.
The monthly statistics are the worst since targets were introduced, over a decade ago, prompting doctors to warn the system was "imploding". The monthly statistics are the worst since targets were introduced, over a decade ago, prompting doctors to warn services were "imploding".
None of the three key hospital targets has been met for over three years.None of the three key hospital targets has been met for over three years.
The figures show:The figures show:
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also missing their targets, although health is devolved so NHS decisions are taken by the administrations in those parts of the UK.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also missing their targets, although health is devolved so NHS decisions are taken by the administrations in those parts of the UK.
Doctors fear for NHS Health leaders fear for NHS
NHS England said hospitals were under pressure, seeing "more older and sicker patients".NHS England said hospitals were under pressure, seeing "more older and sicker patients".
A spokesman said, with winter coming, hospitals would be opening extra beds.A spokesman said, with winter coming, hospitals would be opening extra beds.
But he urged the public to play their part by getting the flu jab and using the 111 phone line and NHS online services "as first port of call for non-emergencies".But he urged the public to play their part by getting the flu jab and using the 111 phone line and NHS online services "as first port of call for non-emergencies".
Dr Nick Scriven, of the Society of Acute Medicine, said: "These figures are truly worrying as we haven't even reached the 'traditional' winter period yet."Dr Nick Scriven, of the Society of Acute Medicine, said: "These figures are truly worrying as we haven't even reached the 'traditional' winter period yet."
He said urgent action was needed, warning hospitals were "imploding". He said urgent action was needed, warning the system was "imploding".
"We have heard so many announcements over the last few weeks of half-baked projects that require either thrice promised money or are totally uncosted for the real world," he said."We have heard so many announcements over the last few weeks of half-baked projects that require either thrice promised money or are totally uncosted for the real world," he said.
BMA leader Dr Chaand Nagpaul said the NHS was facing a "catastrophe".
"This is completely unfair for patients and staff."
But Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents health managers, tweeted health leaders should be more careful with the language they used, criticising the use of imploding in particular.
However, he admitted he was worried about the "huge pressure" on the system at this point before the full onset of winter.
'I was left in excruciating pain''I was left in excruciating pain'
Frances Reid, 55, is one of many patients to have faced a long wait - for a hip replacement, in "excruciating" pain.Frances Reid, 55, is one of many patients to have faced a long wait - for a hip replacement, in "excruciating" pain.
Ms Reid, from South Cambridgeshire, was referred for surgery in January 2018, after struggling for the previous two years with hip pain.Ms Reid, from South Cambridgeshire, was referred for surgery in January 2018, after struggling for the previous two years with hip pain.
She should have been seen in April 2018, but waited until July for her surgery.She should have been seen in April 2018, but waited until July for her surgery.
The NHS ended up paying for her to be treated at a private unit because of the wait.The NHS ended up paying for her to be treated at a private unit because of the wait.
"The final weeks were really difficult," she says."The final weeks were really difficult," she says.
"I was walking up six, seven times a night and had to use walking sticks to get around."I was walking up six, seven times a night and had to use walking sticks to get around.
"Daily tasks like shopping became very difficult.""Daily tasks like shopping became very difficult."
Reaction from the campaign trailReaction from the campaign trail
These are the last set of monthly figures before the election - and both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have said they are a damning indictment of Tory policies.These are the last set of monthly figures before the election - and both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have said they are a damning indictment of Tory policies.
Have you waited more than four hours in A&E? Or have you waited more than 18 weeks for hospital treatment? Tell us your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you waited more than four hours in A&E? Or have you waited more than 18 weeks for hospital treatment? Tell us your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form below:Or use the form below: