‘Challenges are truly daunting’ says SAM past president
Following the release today of the latest NHS performance data (14 January), Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:
“This data shows exactly how dire things are with millions of people waiting to start hospital treatment and 330,000 people waiting more than six weeks for key diagnostic tests, so the effects of Covid-19 will been seen for years to come and the impact on many individuals could be irreparable.
“But what is of particular note and concern for us in urgent care is that the attendances at emergency departments were higher than the peak in April and this data is well before the effects of the current wave will be seen – and this is against a backdrop of many hospitals being at capacity now.
“So whether you look at the here and now or the future, the challenges are truly daunting.”
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More news, statements and updates from the Society for Acute Medicine.
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“13% rise in 12-hour waits should set alarm bells ringing” – SAM president (08 October)
Commenting on the latest NHS performance data released today (08 October) Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “A 13% year-on-year rise in 12-hour emergency department waits as winter approaches should set alarm bells ringing. “More than 50,000 patients waited over 12 hours from the decision to admit to admission in…
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“Sustained pressure increases risk” – SAM immediate past president (27 September)
Commenting in an article in The Sun on a rise in clinical negligence claims against A&E departments, Dr Nick Murch, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “Rising demand, overcrowding, long waits and staff shortages all create a more difficult environment in which to deliver safe, timely care. “Reduced bed capacity can…
Society for Acute Medicine
Setting the standard. Improving acute care.