‘Data lays bare dire state of affairs’ – SAM past president (13 February)

Commenting on the release today (13 February) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Tim Cooksley, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The latest performance data lays bare the dire state of affairs in the NHS with record numbers of patients waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments.

“Nearly 2,000 patients in England a day are suffering this intolerable experience, often in corridors, and the number continues to rise significantly.

“Whatever the rhetoric coming out from government and senior leaders, this statistic should be the main priority – it is the best measure of dignity and quality in acute care.

“It is at the heart of the issues we face and, until the root of the problem is tackled, there will be no possibility of a sustainable recovery in either elective or emergency care. The tremendous effort to improve elective performance is thwarted by this and today’s data illustrates that.

“This was entirely predictable and we, along with many others, have consistently warned about the dangers of long waits spiralling out of control and what the long term consequences will be.

“There is a continued lack of capacity throughout the year combined with workforce shortages and a social care system in crisis. 

“Artificial quick wins are failing and will inevitably continue to do so. It is disingenuous and increasingly insulting to patients and staff to suggest that there are other solutions.”