The number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England has hit a record high of 5.7 million, as NHS staff experience busiest September on record.

NHS figures also show a reduction in the number of patients waiting for a diagnostic scan for the first time this year, meaning more people are now getting the checks they need. This follows the rollout of NHS diagnostic centres last month which were backed by fresh funding to help the NHS to tackle the backlog.

However, with the NHS continuing to clear the growing backlog of care worsened by the pandemic, the figures indicate that the waiting list is rising by about 100,000 a month as more people who did not seek, or could not access, NHS treatment over the past 18 months visit a GP and are referred to hospital.

Accident and emergency departments treated more than 1.39 million patients in September – the highest number recorded for the month. NHS England says that ambulances responded to a record 76,000 life threatening call-outs, an increase of more than 20,000 on the previous high for September, while 999 took nearly one million calls in September.

NHS 111 also saw record demand taking a call every seven seconds and over 1.9 million calls in total across August. The NHS has invested an additional £23 million into NHS 111 to help the service meet the increased demand.

The number of people having to wait more than 52 weeks to start treatment sat at 292,138 in August, down from 293,102 in the previous month but more than double the number waiting a year earlier, in August 2020, which was 111,026.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director said: “There is no doubt the NHS is running hot, with the highest ever number of patients seen in A&E in September, 14-times as many covid patients in hospital compared to the same month last year and record 999 ambulance calls.

“But despite the busiest September on record, NHS staff have moved heaven and earth to make the best possible use of additional investment delivering millions more tests, checks, treatments and operations. That is why it is really important people do not delay seeking help from the NHS if they feel unwell.

“Anyone needing help should come forward through 111 online so that staff can help you with the best option for your care, and it remains as important as ever to get your lifesaving covid jab, and with winter approaching, to get your flu jab too.”