21 February 2019
Figures released today by the Welsh Government for February 2019 highlight the severe pressures faced by Emergency Department staff in Wales.
Data for February 2019 shows that just 74% of patients were seen within the four-hour target in major departments. This is an increase from January 2019 of 1.8 percentage points and 3.9 when compared to February 2018.
The number of patients waiting 12 hours or more in an emergency care facility was 4007. This is a decrease of 1,285 patients compared to January 2019 and a decrease of 1,346 patients compared to February 2018
Dr Jo Mower, Vice President of RCEM Wales said: “While today’s figures demonstrate a marginal improvement, they are by no means acceptable. We cannot allow this performance to become the new norm.
“I’d like to thank The National Programme for Unscheduled Care for supporting the ‘Emergency Department assisted discharge service’ this winter. It has helped staff in emergency departments by providing support to patients as well as ensuring that they are getting home safely.
“This is a great example of integrating health and social care in the unscheduled care system and I am truly grateful the service has been extended.”
