NHS in England: Four hour emergency department target hits record low

The performance of accident and emergency departments in England hit a record low in October with fewer than 70% of patients seen within the target four hours for the first time since records began in 2004, according to the latest official data.

NHS England, however, has highlighted a 60% drop in the numbers of people having to wait for 18 months or longer for routine treatment.

The latest monthly NHS performance data1 for emergency departments showed a mixed picture but one dominated by worsening achievements in the NHS overall.

Just 69.3% of people attending emergency departments were seen in under four hours in October, a fall from 71% in September and well …