The BBC has last week reported on the key NHS targets that have never been met.

Research by the BBC shows that 'The analysis focused on the three key hospital targets, covering A&E, cancer and waiting times for planned care'.

Combined, the length of time during which the targets have been missed tops 100 years.

King's Fund think tank chief analyst Siva Anandaciva said the findings of the BBC analysis should "act as a wake-up call". "These are the key totemic targets," he said. "The length of time they have been missed is incredible."

Patients groups warned the delays were putting patients at risk.
Patients Association chief executive Rachel Power said the analysis showed the NHS was in "permacrisis". "The health of many deteriorates while they await treatment and their problems become more complex," she said.

A spokeswoman for NHS England said progress was being made, with the numbers facing really long waits falling and signs the NHS was coping better this winter than last.