1,450 patients a day experienced delays of over 12 hours last month – SAM statement (10 September)

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

“Today’s figures show that 44,951 patients waited more than 12 hours in emergency departments from decision to admit to admission in August, up 25.2% on last year. That means 1,450 patients a day experienced delays that should never become normal.

“Coming just a day after the National Audit Office warned that improvements in A&E performance remain smaller and slower than hoped, these figures should remove any doubt about the urgency of the task.

“Long waits are a symptom of poor patient flow across the whole hospital and wider health and care system. When there are too few staffed beds, when patients cannot be discharged promptly and when community and social care capacity is insufficient, pressure inevitably builds at the front door.

“Behind the national figures are teams describing relentless pressure, a lack of meaningful solutions and morale at a low ebb. Staff continue to work tirelessly, but goodwill cannot compensate indefinitely for structural problems that remain unresolved.

“That is why we have put five immediate priorities to the Secretary of State: sufficient staffed hospital capacity; effective seven-day discharge pathways; protection for acute medical units and Same Day Emergency Care; investment in the workforce; and stronger community health and social care.

“There is also a real danger in reducing acute bed capacity in pursuit of short-term financial savings. Fewer staffed beds may save money on paper, but if patients cannot move through hospital, the result is greater overcrowding, longer waits and increased pressure on staff. That is a false economy.

“Patients do not need a different place to wait. They need the right care, in the right place, at the right time. With winter approaching, the Government and NHS England now need to turn repeated recognition of these problems into sustained action.”