The NHS faces a severe corridor care crisis year-round. Experts confirm this is no longer just a winter issue. New analysis reveals shocking data about patient waits. Consequently, emergency care is buckling under constant pressure.
Recently, the Liberal Democrats examined NHS figures. Nearly three million patients attended A&E this summer. Specifically, June and July saw 2.9 million arrivals. This is a fifteen percent increase from a decade ago. Therefore, it is the highest level recorded in ten years.
Therefore, the problem of long trolley waits has exploded. In 2015, only forty-seven patients waited twelve hours. Conversely, this June saw 38,683 patients waiting that long. In total, 74,150 patients endured these delays over summer. This averages 1,216 people suffering every single day.
However, some hospitals reported even worse situations. Five NHS trusts had over a quarter of patients waiting twelve hours. Epsom and St Helier Trust faced particularly critical levels. Nearly half of all trolley waits exceeded twelve hours there.
Moreover, Helen Morgan of the Lib Dems described a state of “permacrisis”. She said the health service is buckling all year. Families now helplessly watch loved ones in agony. Every day, long waits put people at serious risk.
Furthermore, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine agrees. Dr. Adrian Boyle said summer respite no longer exists. He fears what winter will bring with seasonal illness. He demands a government plan for more ward beds. Furthermore, he emphasizes supporting timely patient discharge.
Nursing representatives echo these concerns. Patricia Marquis noted an explosion in twelve-hour waits. She said understaffed teams got no summer break. She warns the situation is utterly undignified and unsafe. Ministers must act with urgency before winter arrives.
The government acknowledges inherited challenges. A spokesperson claimed A&E waits are improving despite demand. They highlighted a £450 million investment for expansion. This includes same-day care and new ambulances.
However, the corridor care crisis requires more immediate action. The Lib Dems propose a winter emergency package. This includes boosting vaccine uptake and expanding pharmacy access. They also advocate recruiting more out-of-hours GPs.
Ultimately, the corridor care crisis symbolizes a system in distress. Patients remain stranded in corridors and cupboards. This dangerous and undignified reality is now commonplace. Without significant intervention, patient safety will keep deteriorating.
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