22 May 2023
Responding to Labour’s mission to create an NHS fit for the future, as outlined by Labour leader Keir Starmer today, Dr Ian Higginson, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said:
“We welcome the focus and commitment the Labour Party has outlined in its Health Mission today – especially on reducing the time patients have to wait for ambulances or in our Emergency Departments, as we know the very real harm delays can cause.
“While we are pleased to see a focus on prevention with the provision of greater community-based intervention, this doesn’t eliminate the need for increased bed capacity within hospitals – with our research showing more than 9,500 extra physical beds are needed.
“The health care system has to be treated holistically – with adequate resourcing provided in the community, in Emergency Departments, elsewhere in hospitals, and in social care so that the whole system can work effectively. Our members and colleagues need to have the resources they need to do their jobs, ensuring patients receive the best end-to-end care possible.
“The priorities outlined in our #ResusitateEmergencyCare campaign must be adopted by all political parties if they are truly committed to an effective and efficient health service.”
