Sources told the Guardian that it had been made "abundantly and repeatedly" clear to the prime minister that there would be no progress on his pledge to drive down NHS waiting lists until a deal was struck.
One official said that Sunak had been a "blocker" to progress during talks with consultants and junior doctors at the end of last year due to concerns that a more generous offer would result in calls for higher pay deals across the health service, in particular for nurses.
Junior doctors in England staged a series of strikes after talks between the British Medical Association and the health department broke down, with the doctors' union saying that the government had not been able to put forward a credible offer.
Consultants, meanwhile, rejected the latest pay offer from the government in England by a narrow margin last month. Talks between the BMA and junior ministers are continuing.
Sources said Sunak was personally warned the government would not meet waiting list targets in almost every meeting he held with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC ). Downing Street aides were also told at their own meetings with health officials.
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Denne historien er fra February 07, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Parry: Premier League would be 'sterile' without EFL
Rick Parry has accused the Premier League of undervaluing the football pyramid, arguing that without the \"variety and competition\" that come from relegation and promotion the game would become \"sterile\".
Official review: Coote faces FA investigation as Webb breaks silence on video
The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the behaviour of the referee David Coote after remarks he made about Jürgen Klopp in a video that surfaced online this week.
Match-by-match: Coote's Liverpool games as an official
Referee who has been caught on video in a foul-mouthed tirade against Jürgen Klopp officiated 21 Liverpool games. Andy Hunter takes a look at the decisions in each one
Wretched, haunted but human: a referee shaped by modern football
Is it really a surprise that an official or someone similar should end up glassy-eyed and spitting toxins on a sofa?
Hall's audition adds intrigue to England's Nations League finale
In-form Newcastle defender can show Thomas Tuchel he can be the solution to perennial problem on the left
'It's about robust planning, proper financial control'
is about \"preventing the shocks\" that have disrupted the sport in recent years.
'People are going to see women's boxing at its very best'
The super-lightweight world champion Katie Taylor says her rematch against Amanda Serrano in Texas, as the main support act to Tyson v Paul, will be something special
Blindkilde Brown and Fujino help City avoid slip up
Manchester City maintained their 100% start in the Women's Champions League group stage as second-half goals from youngsters Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino were enough to beat a determined Hammarby side.
Players must cope with extra scrutiny, says Lewis
The England coach, Jon Lewis, said his players experienced a \"sharp learning curve\" about perception management in the fallout from their disastrous group-stage exit in last month's T20 World Cup.
No input from Jones in England's plan to upset Springboks
England will not be benefiting from the insider knowledge of their former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones this weekend after it emerged that neither their players nor key staff members have been in contact with the Irishman, still supposedly employed remotely by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
