‘Insufficient workforce and capacity to meet demand’ – SAM past president
Following the release today (15 February) of the latest weekly NHS performance figures, Dr Tim Cooksley, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The NHS finds itself in an eternal winter. The pressures throughout the system are perfectly and bleakly illustrated in urgent and emergency care where patients experience appalling conditions and prolonged waits.
“There is insufficient workforce and capacity to meet the demands of an increasingly ageing population with multiple health issues with simply no resilience to cope with any excess strain.
“The extra cases of flu have meant many hospitals have fallen into critical incidents. This is the new normal.
“A period of pre-election stasis could worsen this as we are in an emergency that needs action now.
“Patients and staff will continue to be gravely impacted and, worryingly, some people who need urgent treatment may delay seeking care.”
More from SAM
More news, statements and updates from the Society for Acute Medicine.
-
“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…
-
“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.