The Independent Healthcare Providers Network has responded to NHS performance figures published today which show waiting lists continue to remain at record levels with 7.2m people waiting for treatment.

David Hare, Chief Executive, Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “The figures today on waiting times are deeply troubling.

“This is even more the case given the context – coming in the middle of strikes which are almost inevitably going to have the unfortunate impact of causing yet more patients to wait even longer.

“We must leave no stone unturned to ensure every person on the waiting list can be seen and treated as quickly as possible. This includes ensuring every NHS patient is aware of their legal right to choose the best provider for their NHS treatment, including partners in the independent sector.

“We hope that the Government’s much-needed elective recovery taskforce will focus on ways that more NHS patients can be made aware of their rights, to help them to get the treatment they need as quickly as possible, as well as tackling other issues so that more patients can be seen, more quickly.”