Commenting on a new blueprint published today by NHS England and the government which aims to help recover urgent and emergency care services, reduce waiting times, and improve patient experience, Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “We welcome the urgent and emergency care recovery plan published today. Winter 2022 was very difficult for both patients and staff in urgent and emergency care so it is pleasing that actions are being taken, particularly the recognition of the need for more hospital and intermediate care beds.
“High quality acute medical units enable patients to receive timely, first-class acute care in good environments and facilitate prompt discharge or onward transfer to an appropriate care setting, and well-functioning same day emergency care and evolving hospital at home programmes collaborating with primary care and community teams are a key part of the vision.
“We are committed to delivering the highest standards of care for acutely unwell medical patients and look forward to continuing to work closely with NHS England, to not only help deliver the improvements for the upcoming winter but imperatively longer term plans, including workforce, that ensure UEC recovery delivers the high quality of care for patients which all staff wish to provide.”