The Kings Fund has published its latest Quarterly Monitoring Report (QMR) which tracks, analyses and comments on the changes and challenges the health and care system is facing in England. This report, which covers July –September 2016 shows an increasing number of patients and demand for services across acute, primary and social care.
Among the findings of the report are that at the end of September 2016, 6,775 patients were delayed in hospitals, the highest number ever published and an increase of 29 per cent since September 2015. The number of total days delayed increased to more than 196,000 in September 2016, the highest ever recorded and 33 per cent higher than August 2015.
Responding to the publication, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, commented:
“The QMR gives a regular snapshot of how the NHS is performing, and this latest release shows an increasing rise in demand for care, resulting in services coming under increased pressure. Those surveyed are also increasingly reporting that patient care is becoming worse in their local area.
“Of particular concern are the large increases reported in delayed transfers of care and discharging patients from hospital.
“With growing demands on the NHS and our ageing population, there must be a commitment to invest in and improve health and social care integration to create a sustainable NHS able to deliver the best possible patient care in the most appropriate setting.
ENDS
Contact: Sara Collier, RCPE - 0131 247 3658 / s.collier@rcpe.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)
Notes to Editors
1. How is the NHS performing? November 2016 Quarterly Monitoring Report from The King's Fund can be found here
