Position Statements
‘Performance data shows dire state of affairs’ – SAM president
Following the release today (09 September 2021) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “Despite the distractions of funding announcements this week, this data shows the dire state of affairs we are in well before we embark on the challenges of winter. “These targets were…
Read MoreTalk of billions can’t hide failure to get the basics right for so long – SAM president
Following today’s announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on NHS and social care funding (07 September), Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The figures may look significant when talk of billions is involved but people shouldn’t be distracted from the reality which is that the additional funds for the NHS…
Read MoreNHS staff ‘pretty much running on empty’ – SAM past president
Following the release today (12 August) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “We are pretty much running on empty after 20 months of unrelenting pressure culminating now in what is really unprecedented demand at this time of year. “Staff are stressed and…
Read MoreSAM president welcomes new NHS England chief executive
Following the announcement of Amanda Pritchard as the new chief executive of NHS England, Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “We welcome news of Amanda’s appointment and we wish her well in the role, particularly as she will take the reins at such a challenging time. “There will be lots…
Read MoreNHS data shows extent of “precarious situation” – SAM past president
Following the release today (08 July) of the latest NHS performance data, Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “This data shows the extent of the precarious situation the NHS is in – it is worsening yet we are in a position of having to recover everything left behind…
Read MoreSAM welcomes new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Society for Acute Medicine welcomes the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to his post at what may prove to be one of the most challenging times for the NHS in our history. Not only are we seeing a resurgence of community Covid-19 cases that have so far not impacted on…
Read MoreSAM president warns of “massive tension” between elective and urgent care
Speaking today about pressures facing the NHS and the effects on acute medical units, Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “There is massive tension between recovering elective care and carrying on with urgent care during the current surge we are experiencing. “The impact of this is significant because it affects…
Read MoreSAM past president warns current pressures and lack of respite ‘extremely worrying ahead of next onslaught’
Following today’s article in The Independent on concerns raised by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine about current pressures and patient safety, Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “It is extremely worrying we are facing such pressures and problems at a time when, traditionally, urgent medical admissions might dip…
Read MorePerformance data shows “lack of preparation for the inevitable” says SAM leaders
The latest NHS performance data released today (10 June) shows 5.12 million people were on the waiting list for hospital treatment at the end of April – the highest number since records began in 2007. A&E attendances in England last month were 65% higher than a year ago and 83.7% of patients were seen within…
Read MoreBed occupancy well above 90% “dangerous” – SAM past president
Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, comments on current NHS pressures, the challenges being faced by staff and actions required to tackle some of the underlying issues across the system. He said: “Across our hospitals staff are facing pressures much like those seen in mid-winter, with bed occupancy levels…
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