August 2024

Our view

We issued a press release responding to the data release in August 2024. The data covering all sectors shows the sheer scale of the demand challenge from more people seeking care for both physical and mental health.

NHS activity in the community and in mental health services has reached new highs. Community providers recorded the highest number of care contacts on record in May 2024: 8.99 million. As this data return stabilises, we'll continue to get a fuller understanding of the sector. 1.94 million people were in contact with mental health services in June, the highest number recorded. Mental health trusts are delivering care to far more people than pre-pandemic – with 40% more people in contact with these services.

Data from July shows it's likely to be the busiest summer ever across urgent and emergency care services. More people attended A&E in July and category 1 calls increased again. Marginal improvements in A&E four-hour performance and ambulance response times demonstrates the continued hard work of frontline staff in responding to urgent care requirements. System and trust leaders are acutely aware of the demand challenge and recovery targets in place across the pathway. System partners are working together to understand the root causes and to implement system-wide approaches to improve patient flow.

In June, activity levels for diagnostic, elective and cancer care fell after May saw higher numbers of tests, operations and treatments. Trusts were faced with another round of junior doctor industrial action during this period, resulting in thousands of cancelled appointments. The elective care waiting list also increased slightly, showing once again that demand outstrips elective activity, with sustained levels of demand for planned treatments.