‘Shocking data shows dangers that lie ahead’ – SAM president (23 October)

Commenting on new data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats which revealed more than one million patients faced waits of 12 hours or more in A&E in England so this year (23 October), Dr Nick Murch, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “This is shocking data which provides further evidence of the dangers that lie ahead this winter with such significant numbers having already experienced 12-hour waits in emergency departments – it is a national emergency.

“However, it comes as no surprise to those of us on the frontline in urgent and emergency services. We, along with so many other clinical bodies, have been warning of this growing, degrading and harmful problem for years, not just months.

“It received insufficient attention during the election period earlier this year, despite thousands of patients being irreversibly harmed every month, so it is right the Liberal Democrats bring it to the fore ahead of the Budget.

“Those most affected will often be vulnerable acute medical patients with conditions such as cancer and heart disease, often older, who are being subjected to care in corridors and the inevitable harm that causes despite the best efforts of staff.

“The fundamental problems of insufficient workforce and capacity continue to dominate. These need long term investment alongside essential transformation.

“In the immediate future, the government must prioritise the NHS and social care as we approach what will be one of the most difficult winters given the unrelenting challenges faced throughout the year so far.”