‘Data highlights appalling situation in urgent and emergency care’ – SAM past president (02 July)
Commenting on Labour Party data which showed some patients waited up to 10 days in A&E in parts of England over the last year, Dr Tim Cooksley, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:
“This data is yet more evidence of the appalling situation in urgent and emergency care. These patients are suffering significant harm and some early deaths as a result.
“These are mainly acute medical patients who should be in beds not languishing in undignified corridors in emergency departments and acute medical units. Acute medical doctors are having to examine and treat these patients in corridors, often having difficult conversations.
“This really is a scandal and should be treated as as an emergency. A sustainable plan to resolve this crisis immediately post election is essential.”
More from SAM
More news, statements and updates from the Society for Acute Medicine.
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Acute Medicine in 2026
Dr Vicky Price, SAM President, presented on “Acute Medicine in 2026” at the Society for Acute Medicine’s 20th International conference, SAMGlasgow, on 8-9 October 2026.
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“Carrying an existing crisis into winter” – SAM president (20 October)
Commenting on a survey published today (20 October 2026) by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) which found 150 of the UK’s leading A&E doctors have said they are very worried about the pressure that Emergency Departments will face this winter, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The concerns…
Society for Acute Medicine
Setting the standard. Improving acute care.