‘Data demonstrates fundamental gaps between the ambitions of NHS plan and lived realities’ – SAM president (10 July)

Following the release today (10 July) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Nick Murch, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The latest NHS performance data demonstrates quite clearly the urgent and immediate attention required before there is even a slim chance the aspirations of the NHS 10-Year Plan will become a reality and deliver the fundamental changes required to improve the outlook for patients and staff alike.

“The evidence shows 38,683 patients faced delays of over 12 hours in emergency departments, up  1.5% – or 577 patients daily – on last year. These are vulnerable – often older – acute medical patients who are abandoned in hospital corridors. 

“From an acute medical perspective, there are fundamental gaps between the ambitions of the plan for the NHS and the lived realities on the ground, particularly around capacity, workforce and social care.

“Capacity has not kept up with demand and social care blockages keep patients in hospital longer than necessary, with the result being overcrowded emergency departments, avoidable deaths and exhausted staff.

“Without urgent attention to the grave realities on the ground occurring daily, any plans for the future risk remaining conceptual rather than deliverable.”