Responding to the government's announcement of fresh steps to tackle post-pandemic elective care backlogs, NHS Providers' interim deputy chief executive and director of policy and strategy Miriam Deakin said:

"Trust leaders are working hard with partners, including private and voluntary sector bodies, to free up capacity to bear down on backlogs for planned treatment.

"Recovery plans are under pressure from soaring demand for urgent and emergency care, on top of the lasting effects of COVID-19 and looming industrial action.

"Mental health and community services face the same pressures of unprecedented demand and backlogs, playing a key role in keeping people well and supporting urgent and emergency care pathways. While trusts continue to do everything they can to reduce waiting times for all services, recognition and support for mental health and community services would be welcome.

"Forging closer collaboration and partnerships is important but the government must address severe NHS workforce shortages as demand continues to outstrip capacity across health services.

"Sitting down with trade unions to avert strikes in the NHS must be top priority but sustainable investment and workforce planning to bolster capacity is vital."