Commenting on the latest NHS performance data released today (10 April), Dr Tim Cooksley, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “It is imperative that today’s analysis of the latest NHS performance data focuses on the number of 12-hour delays in emergency departments. There has been a significant rise in the number of patients experiencing corridor care and it shows no signs of abating. It is a national scandal.
“The figure is up 8.8% on last year at 46,766 and we must hit home the reality of the fact these patients will be vulnerable, often older people, who are facing the dangers and indignity of this degrading situation.
“There is complete stasis in the NHS which will only deepen further while discussions continue around the merger of NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, creating more uncertainty and barriers to the immediate action required to change the situation.
“There continues to be a failure of the government to focus on acute care and ensure the delivery and implementation of an effective urgent and emergency care recovery plan that has the support of those on the frontline. Until that happens we will remain in this vicious cycle.”