'Finances have become critical' - Kings Fund on NHS

Services in the NHS in England are deteriorating in a way not seen since the early 1990s, according to a leading health think tank.

The King's Fund says the NHS has made some progress in improving efficiency under the coalition, but several targets on access to treatment are being missed, and the service is heading for a deficit.

The government says the report shows the NHS has performed well in the face of huge challenges.

But John Appleby, the King's Fund's chief economist, says the service has missed several targets and is heading for a deficit.

"Finances have become critical," he said.