Performance

Our work on performance against NHS targets and the ways in which success is measured

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2018

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2018: Results from the British Social Attitudes survey

Public satisfaction with the NHS overall continued to fall in 2018. Overall satisfaction was 53 per cent – a 3 percentage point drop from the previous year and the lowest level since 2007.

How is the NHS performing? June 2018

How is the NHS performing? June 2018 quarterly monitoring report

Although we have technically moved out of winter, the latest performance data paints a picture of continuing pressure on NHS staff and services. While A&E departments understandably received much of the focus over the winter months, a quieter decline continues in waiting times for planned (elective) care.

Trolleys and targets: a never-ending winter for hospitals

Trolleys and targets: a never-ending winter for hospitals?

A podcast about big ideas in health and care. Episode two: Does winter ever end for the NHS these days? Helen McKenna talks about winter pressures in A&E with Siva Anandaciva and Matthew Kershaw.

What is happening to waiting times in the NHS?

We examine the big issues and recent NHS performance on waiting times.

State of health and care in England

Services are at full stretch and struggling to maintain standards, says Chris Ham.

A system response to provider failure: does Greater Manchester point to a different future?

Should we start to look at provider failure as a system issue rather than an organisational one? Chris Ham looks at the lessons the NHS can learn from Greater Manchester.

The King’s Fund comments on the Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care report

The report highlights that the NHS is under increasing pressure, with demand for services growing faster than funding and with recruiting and retaining staff representing a huge challenge.

Yet more performance ratings for the NHS: new STP ratings are narrowly focused and centrally driven

In July NHS England published its first 'progress dashboard' for the 44 new sustainability and transformation partnerships, but these new ratings are narrowly focused and centrally driven, say Hugh Alderwick and Veena Raleigh.

The King's Fund responds to NHS monthly performance figures for June 2017

The statistics show once again that it is unrealistic to expect the NHS to continue to be able to offer the same standards of care within the current budget, says Richard Murray.

The capped expenditure process explained

In response to significant financial pressures in the NHS, a capped expenditure process has been introduced to provide tighter controls on spending. We explain how the process works and what it involves.

Will the capped expenditure process help keep a lid on NHS finances?

Siva Anandaciva asks whether the capped expenditure process is an attempt at a short-term fix for a long-term problem.

Getting It Right First Time report

Tackling variations in clinical care: assessing the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme

The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme aims to bring about higher-quality care in hospitals, at lower cost, by reducing unwanted variations in services and practices.

NHS standards and performance: is prioritisation the answer we’ve been looking for?

James Thompson asks whether a combination of increased funding, incentives and pressure from the centre will be enough to get A&E waiting time targets back on track.

How does the NHS compare internationally? big election questions

Ahead of the general election, we look at how the NHS compares with international health systems.

Half of NHS areas planning to cancel or delay spending because of financial pressures

The NHS is now planning to delay or cancel spending in half of local areas this year to meet financial targets, according to The King’s Fund’s latest quarterly monitoring report.

How is the NHS performing? June 2017: Quarterly Monitoring Report

Our quarterly monitoring report combines analysis of the latest NHS performance data with unique insight from NHS trust and CCG finance directors, and from general practitioners – providing a comprehensive overview of how the NHS is faring.

Statistics and data reading list

A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.

Data shows NHS performance continuing to struggle

Richard Murray responds to the latest performance data published by NHS England.

(Elective) hips don't lie: Data reveals pressures on hip replacement services

How have elective hip replacement services been affected by wider financial pressures in the NHS? James Thompson looks at what the data shows.

NHS sustainability and the public: a little more conversation

Does the NHS need more money? Where should the money come from? Harry Evans looks at public attitudes toward NHS funding.

Public satisfaction with the NHS in 2016

In 2016 the NHS remained popular with the public. In particular, the public values a system that provides high-quality, comprehensive services that are free at the point of use.

If the NHS is in crisis, why is public satisfaction so high?

Ruth Robertson looks at the results from the British Social Attitudes survey and explores why public satisfaction is so high despite the current pressures on the health and care system.

Smoker and non-smoker

Understanding NHS financial pressures: how are they affecting patient care?

Severe financial pressures on the NHS show no signs of easing, but how are they affecting patient care?

How are financial pressures affecting patient care?

International health care comparisons reading list

A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.

Statistics and data reading list

A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.

Productivity: Our work on efficiency, value for money, supply and demand in the NHS