NHS trusts have a £4bn backlog of key maintenance repairs which range from fixing heating to meeting fire safety rules, reports the BBC.
Government figures suggest the backlog is eight times this year's much-heralded NHS surplus, which was achieved by making a variety of cuts.
"Backlog" repairs are those needed to bring NHS property in line with various standards.
They include repairing roofs and fixing drainage, but do not cover painting wards or replacing furniture.
It is large city hospital trusts which have the greatest backlog, according to Hospital Doctor, which first reported the details.
"The truth is that the NHS surplus, which the government enjoys boasting about, is a sham," shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said.
"Public health budgets, education and training budgets and now the basic maintenance and upkeep of our hospitals have been laundered to produce this surplus."
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said urgent maintenance work that will affect patient care "is always prioritised", but he added that making this decision was up to the local NHS trust concerned.
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