NHS campaigners reacted with shock yesterday after a survey revealed most health chiefs are planning staff lay-offs to balance the books — as waiting lists remain at near-record highs.

The NHS Confederation poll found 67 per cent of NHS trusts and Integrated Care Boards leaders are planning to cut clinical staff to meet savings targets.

Nine in 10 said they would reduce non-clinical headcounts, as experts warned strict financial targets were forcing services to take “drastic” short-term measures.