Responding to a warning from England's NHS Ombudsman that "cancer patients could be put at risk due to over-stretched staff", Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said: 

"These findings lay bare the alarming impact of stretched resources on patients.

"At a time when demand for services has never been higher, the NHS is grappling with over 110,000 staff shortages.

"Trust leaders are doing all they can to ensure timely, high-quality care for patients – their number one priority – but their efforts need to be backed nationally. 

"The patient ramifications of pared back staff and outdated equipment and IT systems must not be sidelined. 

"Trust leaders welcomed the NHS funding boost announced at the spring budget, but deep-rooted challenges require long-term solutions. 

"The government needs to commit to fully funding the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and secure sustained investment for capital and digital infrastructure.

"This way, the NHS will be properly equipped to deliver the high-quality care that patients need and deserve."