Responding to the latest performance statistics for the NHS in England, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"Winter has been brutal so far for the NHS and we’re not out of the woods yet. Things are likely to get worse before they get better.

"Stresses and strains on urgent and emergency services, which are experiencing record demand, are a huge concern with many patients facing long waits for ambulances and in A&Es.

"Services everywhere are facing staggeringly high levels of flu and other nasty bugs, which is piling the pressure on already stretched staff. The number of critical incidents declared in recent days is a barometer of how challenging the situation really is for the NHS.

"Despite these serious challenges, trust leaders and their teams across hospitals, mental health, community and ambulance services are pulling out all the stops to care for patients.

"The boost in the number of patients being seen for checks, scans and procedures and a welcome fall in the number of patients on waiting lists is testament to the hard work and dedication of frontline NHS staff, who deserve our thanks for their tireless efforts."