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'Real risk' NHS patient care will deteriorate

The next government will inherit a health service that has run out of money, a think tank has warned Credit: PA

The NHS has almost run out of money and waiting times for patients are likely to get worse, a leading health think tank has warned.

The report by the King's Fund said the next government will inherit an under-strain health service from the coalition, as hospitals and other healthcare providers have overspent their budgets by more than £800 million.

It highlighted concerns over:

  • Missing of key waiting-time targets for A&E, hospital and cancer treatment
  • Increased hospital bed occupancy
  • Delayed discharges of patients
  • Low morale among staff

King's Fund's chief economist John Appleby said: "The next government will inherit a health service that has run out of money and is operating at the very edge of its limits."

The report said that additional funding of £8 billion a year by 2020 is the "absolute minimum" the NHS requires to continue to meet patient needs and maintain standards of care.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "As the King's Fund says, the NHS has 'performed well in the face of huge challenges', but if we are to continue to invest in the NHS going forward it needs to be backed by a strong economy."