The prime minister has set out a new plan to tackle hospital backlogs.

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Nobody in the NHS wants people to wait any longer than needed for vital checks, scans and treatment.

"NHS trust leaders are doing everything they can so that patients are seen as quickly as possible. Long waits stem from years of underinvestment in services and severe staff shortages.

"Leaders right across hospital, mental health, community and ambulance services want to work with the government to tackle all long waits.

"Trusts face huge operational and financial challenges every day, particularly in very busy A&Es and emergency care, but staff continue to work flat out for patients while doing everything in their power to transform services and make the NHS fit for the future."