The latest data has shown that thousands of patients are now being seen quicker by the NHS.

Between July and February, around 4.5 million tests, checks and scans were carried out in Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) - this is a 50 per cent increase on the previous year and equates to 18,000 more checks being delivered every day.

3 million additional appointments have been delivered 6 months early.

Minister for Elective Care Karin Smyth said: "This government made a promise to the British public to reverse more than a decade of soaring waiting times and poor access to patient care - and through our Plan for Change, we are starting to turn the tide across every part of the country - with our crack teams already having a transformative impact.

"This is a long road, but with tens of thousands more patients getting care that works for them and waiting lists falling faster in areas of high joblessness, we are getting the NHS back on its feet so it delivers for patients once again.

"This is only the start. From bringing patient care closer to home, to ending the 8am scramble for a GP appointment, this government is determined to transform our NHS to make it fit for the future."

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: "Through our Plan for Change, we are getting on with the job of rebuilding our country and improving the public services we all rely on.

"It’s already making a difference in people’s lives as we put police back on the beat, get more teachers in classrooms, and this week launched free breakfast clubs in hundreds of schools.

"The latest data shows our approach is delivering real change, with tens of thousands more patients getting the right care and waiting lists falling faster in areas where there are higher numbers of people out of work. And this is just the start."