Commenting on the publication of the planning guidance by NHS England which sets out the NHS’ priorities for the next financial year, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"This guidance is a stark reminder of the difficult decisions and tough trade-offs facing trust leaders as they brace for another challenging year providing vital health services.

"It tasks the NHS with tackling delays and improving patient care in every setting while also demanding stringent efficiency savings.

"Streamlining priorities and freeing up local leaders to solve the healthcare challenges that matter most could drive real improvements in patient care and is a welcome step forward.

"Frontline teams have made huge strides in tackling the longest waits, but trust leaders know far too many patients are still waiting far too long for care.

"This winter has once again laid bare the challenges facing the NHS, and it is clear radical and decisive action is needed to tackle year-round pressures on health services.

"Reducing the time people wait for planned care, improving excessively long A&E waiting times and ambulance response times and improving access to mental health services, particularly for children and young people, are understandably top priorities for the year ahead.

"But the focus on these priorities doesn’t mean leaders will take their eye off the ball on other key health services. They are committed to improving services for all patients, but they will need the help and support of national NHS leaders to do this.

"The year ahead will be far from easy, but with the shift from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention, trust leaders are up for the challenge. They are committed to working with the government and partners across health and care on the 10-Year Health Plan so that patients get the NHS they want and deserve."