“These early figures are encouraging, although it is clearly too soon to determine whether extra money this year will genuinely help providers become more financially stable. As the NHS moves on from a terrible financial year, we must use this critical opportunity to get the NHS back on track so that we can set the foundations for vital transformation plans to make progress.
“Cuts to social care and public health, as well as increases in employers’ pension contributions, have all heaped unplanned additional pressure on the NHS in recent times.
"We need to remember that the story behind these figures is that our staff on the frontline are working under enormous pressure and it's their daily commitment that is keeping our NHS safe and delivering great care."