Health Foundation analysis illustrates “immense strain” on urgent and emergency care – SAM president

A new analysis published today (Friday, 23 June) by the Health Foundation shows that 800,000 (12%) fewer patients in England were admitted to hospital in 2022 than in 2019, while the average length of stay in hospital increased.

Commenting on the report, Dr Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The Health Foundation report is a further illustration of the immense strain that urgent and emergency care (UEC) has been under over the past few years which we, along with other colleagues, have been describing. 

“This reflects the “eternal winter” that patients and UEC staff face on a daily basis with intolerably long waits and corridor care for patients in emergency departments. Caring for patients in such inappropriate environments poses significant risk to patients and is associated with an increased risk of adverse events and mortality.

“Acute medical teams are often now providing care in emergency departments rather than acute medical units. Their expertise, acumen and approach can often facilitate discharge. However, this should be occurring from AMUs rather than EDs.

“Further, innovative acute medicine practice and leadership has enabled more patients to be managed in acute medicine led same day emergency care units (SDEC) and hospital at home settings. This enables some patients traditionally managed in hospital to be safely managed in their preferred home environment.

“Without the dedication and expertise of acute medical teams the situation would be even worse: a prospect that is appalling to consider.

“Shortages in workforce and capacity continue to permeate throughout health and social care. These are illustrated by the increasing number of patients remaining in hospital for longer periods further outlined in this report. 

“It is essential that the workforce plan is published imminently so that this can be addressed. Some patients still require timely expert inpatient hospital care and it is imperative this is resourced so that this can be delivered for all who require it.”