New NHS figures show that September 2026 was the busiest on record for patients attending A&E, with 2.44 million attendances. The data also reveals the highest recorded number of ambulance incidents for September, totalling 806,707.
These pressures, arriving so early in the winter period after a busy summer, have led NHS officials to warn of “ominous” signs for the months ahead. A record 4.7 million planned treatments, procedures, and appointments took place during June, July, and August—more than in any previous summer.
Record summer and rising waiting lists
During the summer months of June, July, and August, a record total of 4.7 million planned treatments, procedures, and appointments took place, amounting to 4,738,824. This figure surpasses any previous summer. However, despite the high level of planned care delivered this summer, the overall waiting list rose to 7.4 million in August, an increase of 41,848 from July 2026.
Professor Frankie Swords, NHS England's National Medical Director, warned that despite the progress made by frontline teams, winter pressure is already starting to build. More patients, including children, are arriving at A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses.
Vaccination plea
With the flu and other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), already circulating, eligible individuals are urged to get vaccinated now instead of waiting for winter.
Professor Swords said: “NHS staff have done fantastic work to deliver record levels of elective care this summer and are now supporting the busiest September on record for A&E attendances and ambulance incidents.”
“Now the focus is on the looming winter months ahead. Staff are already seeing the ominous early signs of pressure, with more patients coming to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year, and unfortunately, many people are still waiting longer than we would like them to.”
“This is why it’s absolutely crucial to take up the offer of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other vaccinations if you’re eligible, to protect yourself, your family and the public. We all have our part to play, so please don’t wait for winter – come forward to your GP or pharmacy now and get protected.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Our NHS is dealing with summer pressures now as well as winter pressures. So, it is a huge tribute to doctors, nurses and staff across the NHS that, alongside dealing with unprecedented levels of A&E attendances and ambulance call-outs, they also managed to deliver record numbers of elective appointments, procedures and treatments.”
“Step by step, our NHS has been increasing its delivery and performance, making a real difference to patients’ lives even as demand is growing. But with winter now approaching, pressure on our NHS is set to increase again and I would encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu jab and other vaccines to get themselves protected against preventable illnesses, and help relieve the workload on the NHS too.”
