Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary, responding to the latest Quarterly NHS Performance data, said:

“Today’s performance figures reveal an NHS in year round crisis after years of Tory austerity.

“Failure to meet the flagship 4 hour A&E target for 4 years amid growing waiting lists for treatment must serve as an urgent wake up call for this Government.

“As winter rapidly approaches patients will understandably feel concerned that another extremely challenging winter is on the horizon. The NHS long term plan must include detailed plans to significantly ease pressures on A&Es to end this ongoing misery for patients and staff.”