News
SAM president sounds alarm over government’s focus on ‘online hospitals’ while patients suffer “unprecedented harm” (08 January)
Society for Acute Medicine president Dr Vicky Price has raised concerns over the government’s focus on future digital developments such the NHS online hospital initiative while patients seeking emergency care are suffering “unprecedented harm”. She said while developments to reduce waits for some patients are welcome, there is “no excuse” for failing to acknowledge and…
Read MoreSituation in hospitals “already truly shocking” – SAM president (15 December)
Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, commented in today’s Guardian ( 15 December) on a new report released by the Health Foundation which suggests hospitals will have fewer beds available this winter than usual because “delayed discharges” – beds occupied by people who are medically fit to leave but have nowhere…
Read More‘Corridor care on an unprecedented scale’ – SAM president (11 December)
Commenting on the latest NHS performance data released today (11 December), Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The latest NHS monthly performance data released today paints a sadly familiar picture of a system under relentless strain. “With record 12-hour waits continuing to mount – 50,648 last month, up 10.6% on…
Read MoreEmphasis on unnecessary A&E attendances “a smokescreen” says SAM president (04 December)
Commenting on NHS England’s press release issued today which suggests emergency departments are “under siege from hiccups and ingrowing toenails”, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “Today’s emphasis on “unnecessary” A&E attendances risks becoming yet another “dead cat” distraction from the real pressures facing acute and emergency care. While encouraging…
Read MoreAlmost half a million 12-hour waits in 10 months “completely unacceptable” – SAM president (02 December)
Commenting today (2 December) in the Daily Mail on Liberal Democrat analysis which shows a record 452,595 people waited more than 12 hours in emergency departments from January to October, up from just 1,590 over the same period in 2016, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The number of people…
Read MoreSAM president says 55,000 12-hour delays “deeply concerning” ahead of winter months (13 November)
Commenting on the release today (13 November) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The latest performance data highlights the strain on the NHS, with patients enduring prolonged waits for assessment and care, beds full and staff exhausted – and this is before we hit…
Read MoreNew Decision Aid Published to Differentiate AIM & GIM Curricula
Read the latest guidance outlining the process for dual-certifying in Acute and General Internal Medicine, including clarification on the number of workplace-based assessments required for each CCT.
Read MoreESIM Winter School – opportunity to attend on behalf of SAM (13 Oct)
The Society is looking to fund two Resident doctor members to attend the European School of Internal Medicine (ESIM) winter school, to be held in Bari, Italy from 15th-21st February 2026. SAM will pay for travel, accommodation and the congress fees which include meals and social activities. It is designed as an educational event which…
Read MoreFewer than one in five acutely unwell patients first assessed on specialist acute medical units, warns SAM (10 October)
Patients are being left in hospital corridors for dangerously long periods and missing timely access to specialist care, the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM) has warned. Latest data, presented at the Society’s bi-annual conference in Manchester, showed fewer than one in five acutely unwell medical patients are receiving their first assessment in an acute medical unit (AMU).…
Read More‘15% rise in 12-hour waits a stark warning’ says SAM president (09 October)
Commenting on the release today (09 October) of the latest monthly NHS performance data, Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The 15% rise in 12-hour waits in emergency departments is a stark warning that urgent and emergency care across the UK is in a state of national emergency. “Nearly 1,500 people…
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