NHS Takes Proactive Measures to Avert Winter Crisis, Affirms Victoria Atkins

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has stated that avoiding a winter crisis in the NHS is her top priority. The health service is facing potential pressure this winter due to record waiting lists and warnings about fewer extra beds. Planning for winter started earlier than usual, resulting in the creation of 5,000 additional beds. However, the government's target to reduce waiting lists is at risk of failing unless doctors abandon plans for industrial action, which has already led to the rescheduling of 1.1 million appointments. The Health Foundation think tank estimates that industrial action has added around 210,000 patients to the waiting list.