According to figures, hundreds of thousands of patients are receiving extra faster care thanks to the government's partnership with the private sector.

More than 6 million tests and operations for NHS patients were delivered by independent healthcare providers over the past year - this is almost 500,000 more than last year.

Independent healthcare providers delivered an average of 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments every week.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: "I’ll do everything I can to get NHS patients treated faster, free at the point of use.

"This is a principled, progressive position, not just a pragmatic one. We’re not prepared to continue 2-tier healthcare, when those who can afford it get treated on time, and those who can’t are left behind. Wealth shouldn’t determine health.

"This is just one reform which has helped deliver 5 million more appointments, grown NHS productivity and cut waiting lists by 200,000. We are also investing in growing the NHS capacity, opening up CDCs and operating theatres at evenings and weekends, and bringing in modern technology like robotic surgery. Through investment and relentless reform, we will make sure every patient is treated on time, not just those who can afford to pay."

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said: "The independent sector is playing a vital role in supporting our efforts to bring down waiting lists and ensure patients can get the NHS care they need faster.

"Thanks to the ambition and hard work of NHS teams, we are seeing early signs of progress with waiting lists falling for the first time in years - but we are determined to go further and faster to improve patients’ experiences and this data shows clearly that maximising use of this capacity is an approach that is working for patients."