‘Long waiting lists necessitate access to urgent and emergency care’ – SAM president
Commenting on a report by the Press Association about a rise in the number of people attending A&Es with sore throats, insomnia, coughs and earache, Dr Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “Long waiting lists mean patients will often be unable to tolerate symptoms necessitating them to access urgent and emergency care.
“Further, long waiting lists understandably significantly reduce patient faith in being able to access services in a timely manner and so utilise acute care services.
“This adds to the overwhelming pressure on an extremely overstretched urgent care system and undoubtedly will increase appalling and intolerable experiences for emergency patients this winter.
“Mitigation is possible and it is essential that action is taken that helps restore the confidence of patients and staff over the next few months.”
More from SAM
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.