Thursday 14 November 2024
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has described the significant spike in the number of people waiting 12 hours or more in Emergency Departments last month as ‘yet another clear indicator’ of the pressures facing A&Es ahead of winter.
And has warned that people’s lives are being put at risk.
New data released today shows that in England in October 2024, 162,931 patients waited 12 hours or more in major Emergency Departments, an increase of 33,919 from the previous month.
That equates to more than one in every 10 patients who attended.
The data also shows for the same kind of A&Es only 58% of patients were transferred, admitted, or discharged within the target of four hours – the national standard is currently 78% (and was previously 95%).
The number of people attending has also increased and was the highest ever recorded for the month of October standing at more than 1.4million.
President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Adrian Boyle said: ““These figures will strike yet more dread in the hearts of Emergency clinicians. They are yet another clear indicator of the winter crisis which is looking even more inevitable.
“The huge spike in the number of people being forced to endure stays in A&Es of more than 12 hours is deeply concerning. Long waits are not just inconvenient or uncomfortable they are dangerous. To be blunt, they put people’s lives at risk.
“Our members and their colleagues are exhausted and frustrated. This week, 96% of Trust leaders surveyed admitted they are worried about the effect of winter pressures, and we are sure our members share concern in similar numbers. Patients are at risk, clinicians and managers are sounding the alarm, something must be done.”
