“Unbearable conditions” for patients and staff as 12-hours waits rise by 28% (09 July)

Commenting on the latest NHS performance data released today, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:

“Today’s figures, including 49,466 patients waiting more than 12 hours from the decision to admit to admission – up 28% on last year – show that urgent and emergency care is under severe and sustained pressure.

“Recent evidence has highlighted the devastating harm associated with prolonged waits, and today’s data show that far too many patients are still experiencing unacceptable delays. 

“An average of more than 3,000 patients a day receiving corridor care or being cared for in other inappropriate hospital spaces last month underlines just how far we have to go.

“The recent hot weather has only made these conditions more unbearable for patients and staff, particularly where people are waiting for hours in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

“Everyone working in acute care wants to see an end to corridor care, but that must be achieved by improving patient care, not simply improving the numbers. 

“If patients are moved from corridors into overcrowded waiting rooms, temporary escalation areas or bedded same day emergency care units, the underlying risks remain.

“Success should be judged by whether patients are receiving timely, safe and dignified care – not by where they happen to be waiting.

“The solution remains the same: more staffed beds, better patient flow, faster discharge pathways and investment in social care. Until those fundamental issues are addressed, overcrowding and long waits will continue to put patients at risk.”