Latest news with #AdrianBoyle
Epoch Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Excess Deaths Linked to Long A&E Waits Increased by 20 Percent, Medics Estimate
An estimated 16,644 excess deaths occurred as a result of long waits in A&E departments in England last year, a group of leading medics has said. This is equivalent to 320 lives lost a week and an increase of 20 percent compared to 2023, when an estimated 13,919 patients may have died needlessly while waiting for a hospital bed, according to figures published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) on Thursday. The RCEM's president, Dr. Adrian Boyle, said the figures were 'the equivalent of two aeroplanes crashing every week,' calling it 'heartbreaking' for families whose loved ones died waiting for care. The medics' methodology for making the estimate was based on a Similarly, data published by the Office for National Statistics earlier this year 1.7 Million Patients In 2024, more than 1.7 million patients waited 12 hours or more to be admitted, discharged, or transferred from the emergency department, an increase of almost 14 percent on the year before, according to the RCEM. Of those patients, more than two-thirds (69.2 percent) were waiting to be admitted to a ward for further care. Related Stories 5/6/2025 4/22/2025 Commenting on the figures, Boyle said: 'It's sobering, heartbreaking, devastating, and more. Because this is so much more than just data and statistics. Each number represents a person—a dearly loved family member—grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends—who has died because of a system in crisis. 'These were patients who were stuck in emergency departments, watching the clock tick by as they waited extremely long hours, often on a trolley in a corridor, for an in-patient bed to become available for them.' The medic warned there may be far more deaths linked to long delays in getting emergency care. He pointed out that this methodology only accounts for patients who actually reached A&E. It does not include those left waiting for urgent medical care in the community, either because ambulances are unable to hand them over to overcrowded emergency departments, or because patients are 'too anxious to seek help when they should.' 'Not Sustainable' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the report 'lays bare the crisis in NHS waiting times we inherited, with patients suffering unacceptable delays for urgent treatment. It will be a long road to fix our NHS, but we are doing the work to get us there.' The spokesperson added that the government has invested an extra £26 billion to reform the NHS. Plans include shifting services from hospital to community to ease pressure on emergency departments, and recruiting an extra 1,000 GPs 'to reach patients earlier and move towards prevention.' File photo of a nurse taking the blood pressure of an elderly patient at an NHS hospital in England on Jan. 18, 2023. PA Wire The estimates were released ahead of the launch of the newly-formed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emergency Care. The APPG is chaired by Labour MP Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, who is an A&E doctor and says she sees how stretched emergency services are on a weekly basis during her shifts. She said the 'ever-increasing numbers of excess deaths and long wait times in our emergency departments are simply not sustainable.' 'The government have pledged to fix the foundations of our public services and our A&Es must be at the front and centre of this ambition. There has never been an APPG for emergency care before and this is exactly the vehicle needed to bring together industry experts, legislators, and the government to move things forward,' Allin-Khan said. Corridor Care The estimates come amid other reports pointing to the dangers of vulnerable patients waiting long hours in A&E for treatment, with many receiving care in inappropriate settings such as in waiting rooms or hospital car parks, in what has come to be known as ' A report from the RCEM In January, the Royal College of Physicians reported that crowding in emergency departments, while growing steadily over the past several years, had worsened in the last 12 to 18 months and was no longer limited to the winter months typically linked to higher illness rates. A poll commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing published in February
Epoch Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Over a Million Older Patients Waited 12 Hours or More in A&E Last Year, Report Says
In 2024, over a million people aged 60 and above endured waits of more than 12 hours in A&E departments across England, according to a new report from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). The Findings also revealed that the older a patient was, the higher the likelihood that their wait time would increase. While those aged 60 to 69 had a 15 percent chance of waiting 12 hours or more, that figure more than doubled to 32.5 percent for patients aged 90 and above. Senior doctors said that despite there being year-on-year improvements in emergency room waits since 2023, these older patients are enduring the longest waits 'and are bearing the brunt of an Urgent and Emergency Care system in crisis.' Insufficient Screening The RCEM has been looking into the care of older people. In its research for patients over the age of 75, authors found that there was insufficient screening in emergency rooms for common conditions that affect seniors. Examining 24,865 case studies from 149 English emergency departments, report authors found that only 16 percent had been screened for delirium, a reversible condition characterised by a sudden change in mental function and which is associated with an increased risk of death. Less than half (48 percent) of this age group had been assessed for the risk of falling. Related Stories 4/22/2025 4/17/2025 Just over half (56 percent) had been screened for general frailty. If detected early, medics can organise early intervention and support in hospital and with community care. The report recommended that England introduce a 'front door frailty screening' system, similar to that in Scotland, to improve the care of older people. Alarming Threat to Patient Safety Dr. Adrian Boyle, president of the RCEM, said the report's findings reveal the 'alarming threat to patient safety,' adding it was well known that long stays are dangerous to patients, especially to those who are elderly. Boyle said: 'The healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable patients—more than a million last year. These people are our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. 'They aren't receiving the level of care they need, as they endure the longest stays in our EDs [emergency departments], often suffering degrading and dehumanising 'corridor care.'' Boyle's comments come amid an increase so-called 'corridor care,' which refers to emergency patients being treated in unsuitable spaces—such as hallways, waiting areas, offices, or even car parks—owing to a lack of staff or available treatment rooms to provide proper, dignified care. In January, the Royal College of Physicians reported that crowding in emergency departments, while growing steadily over the past several years, had worsened in the last 12 to 18 months and was no longer limited to the winter months typically linked to higher illness rates. The following month, a poll commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing 'Unacceptable' Responding to the RCEM's report, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said, 'Anyone being stuck in A&E for that length of time is unacceptable, but for people who spent their lives paying into the NHS and giving to our country it is particularly appalling.' 'That's one of the reasons why we are going so hard at driving improvement in our NHS,' he told Times Radio. Health Secretary Wes Streeting speaking to the media during a visit to London Ambulance Service headquarters in south London on Dec. 9, 2024. Ben Whitley/PA Wire The minister outlined that since Labour came to power in July 2024, the government has cut NHS waiting lists and made available more than 2 million additional appointments. £102 Million for GP Refurbishments Also on Tuesday, the Department for Health and Social Care announced that £102 million will go to some 1,000 GP surgeries for refurbishments and building upgrades to create more space to see patients, which Streeting said would help deliver a further 8.3 million appointments a year. He said that with more capacity at GP practices, 'people who don't need A&E can actually get a GP appointment when they need one, which is, I'm afraid, still a big driver of people going to emergency departments.' 'The scale of the challenge is one that can't be fixed overnight, or even within one year,' Streeting said. He added, 'But year on year, we want to see consistent improvement in our NHS so that we can do away with corridor care, people are able to get GP appointments, operations, appointments and A&E when they need it, and to restore that fundamental promise that's been broken: that the NHS will be there for all of us when we need it.' Streeting said that his department will publish its Urgency and Emergency Care Improvement Plan later this month.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS corridor care crisis ‘putting more than a million lives at risk'
Senior doctors have warned of an 'alarming threat to patient safety' after figures show that more than a million elderly people endure long waits in A&E. A report from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) shows that rising numbers of elderly and frail people are stuck in A&E, often on trolleys in corridors. Figures obtained by RCEM via the Freedom of Information Act show that 1.15 million people aged 60 and over waited more than 12 hours to be transferred, admitted or discharged in England's major A&E departments last year. This is an increase on 991,068 in 2023 and about three times the figure of 305,619 for 2019, the PA news agency reported. The research also found that the likelihood of experiencing a 12-hour wait in an emergency department increased with the age of the patient. People aged 60 to 69 have a 15 per cent chance of waiting 12 hours or more, whereas for those aged 90 and above the likelihood rises to 33 per cent. The Royal College of Physicians earlier this year called for a zero tolerance approach to |NHS hospital corridor care. The RCEM, which has been looking in detail at the care older people receive, also found that many are missing out on vital checks in A&E. Its Quality Improvement Programme study received data from 149 emergency departments involving 24,865 patients. Among patients over 75, the research found insufficient screening for three common conditions which frequently affect older people. Although there have been some improvements, the report found: Only 16 per cent of patients were screened for delirium – a reversible condition linked to increased risk of death and indicated by a sudden change in mental function. On average, fewer than half (48 per cent) of patients were screened for their risk of falls. Just over half (56 per cent) were screened for general frailty, which, if picked up early, can lead to prompt extra support in hospital and at home. The report recommended changes, including 'front door frailty screening' in every A&E. This is already being introduced across Scotland. Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the RCEM, said: 'The healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable patients – more than a million last year. These people are our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. 'They aren't receiving the level of care they need, as they endure the longest stays in our emergency departments, often suffering degrading and dehumanising corridor care. 'It's an alarming threat to patient safety. We know long stays are dangerous, especially for those who are elderly, and puts people's lives at risk.' He added: 'As our Quality Improvement Programme highlights, more needs to be done to improve their care – vital tests need to get under way as soon as they arrive to inform the care they need and mitigate the risk of another visit to the emergency department. 'There are good pockets of practice, and emergency medicine clinicians are trying their best to deliver the care they need. It's the system that's the issue, and will continue to disproportionally affect older people unless governments across the UK make A&E a political priority.' Dr Anu Mitra, the project lead of RCEM's care of older people Quality Improvement Programme, said: 'Older people make up a large proportion of attendances to the emergency department, bringing greater health complexities and evolving care needs. 'In the backdrop of worsening crowding and increasing long stays, emergency clinicians need to ensure they maintain the basic elements of care and comfort for older patients. 'It's been encouraging to see that, despite the challenging environments emergency medicine clinicians are working in, there has already been improvements in ensuring these patients are receiving the assessments they need. It's vital we continue this work for this vulnerable patient cohort to meet their needs and provide the level of care they deserve.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable that older people are waiting up to 12 hours or more in A&E. This Government is investing £26billion in the NHS and social care over the next two years, has ended the resident doctor strikes so staff are on the frontline and is committed to cutting A&E waiting times so patients are seen faster. 'Through our 10-year health plan, we will ensure that patients, including older people, are seen promptly in A&E, waiting times continue to come down and more people get a GP appointment.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
NHS corridor care crisis ‘putting more than a million lives at risk'
Senior doctors have warned of an 'alarming threat to patient safety' after figures show that more than a million elderly people endure long waits in A&E. A report from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) shows that rising numbers of elderly and frail people are stuck in A&E, often on trolleys in corridors. Figures obtained by RCEM via the Freedom of Information Act show that 1.15 million people aged 60 and over waited more than 12 hours to be transferred, admitted or discharged in England's major A&E departments last year. This is an increase on 991,068 in 2023 and about three times the figure of 305,619 for 2019, the PA news agency reported. The research also found that the likelihood of experiencing a 12-hour wait in an emergency department increased with the age of the patient. People aged 60 to 69 have a 15 per cent chance of waiting 12 hours or more, whereas for those aged 90 and above the likelihood rises to 33 per cent. The Royal College of Physicians earlier this year called for a zero tolerance approach to |NHS hospital corridor care. The RCEM, which has been looking in detail at the care older people receive, also found that many are missing out on vital checks in A&E. Its Quality Improvement Programme study received data from 149 emergency departments involving 24,865 patients. Among patients over 75, the research found insufficient screening for three common conditions which frequently affect older people. Although there have been some improvements, the report found: Only 16 per cent of patients were screened for delirium – a reversible condition linked to increased risk of death and indicated by a sudden change in mental function. On average, fewer than half (48 per cent) of patients were screened for their risk of falls. Just over half (56 per cent) were screened for general frailty, which, if picked up early, can lead to prompt extra support in hospital and at home. The report recommended changes, including 'front door frailty screening' in every A&E. This is already being introduced across Scotland. Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the RCEM, said: 'The healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable patients – more than a million last year. These people are our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. 'They aren't receiving the level of care they need, as they endure the longest stays in our emergency departments, often suffering degrading and dehumanising corridor care. 'It's an alarming threat to patient safety. We know long stays are dangerous, especially for those who are elderly, and puts people's lives at risk.' He added: 'As our Quality Improvement Programme highlights, more needs to be done to improve their care – vital tests need to get under way as soon as they arrive to inform the care they need and mitigate the risk of another visit to the emergency department. 'There are good pockets of practice, and emergency medicine clinicians are trying their best to deliver the care they need. It's the system that's the issue, and will continue to disproportionally affect older people unless governments across the UK make A&E a political priority.' Dr Anu Mitra, the project lead of RCEM's care of older people Quality Improvement Programme, said: 'Older people make up a large proportion of attendances to the emergency department, bringing greater health complexities and evolving care needs. 'In the backdrop of worsening crowding and increasing long stays, emergency clinicians need to ensure they maintain the basic elements of care and comfort for older patients. 'It's been encouraging to see that, despite the challenging environments emergency medicine clinicians are working in, there has already been improvements in ensuring these patients are receiving the assessments they need. It's vital we continue this work for this vulnerable patient cohort to meet their needs and provide the level of care they deserve.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable that older people are waiting up to 12 hours or more in A&E. This Government is investing £26billion in the NHS and social care over the next two years, has ended the resident doctor strikes so staff are on the frontline and is committed to cutting A&E waiting times so patients are seen faster. 'Through our 10-year health plan, we will ensure that patients, including older people, are seen promptly in A&E, waiting times continue to come down and more people get a GP appointment.'
ITV News
05-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Doctors warn of ‘threat to patient safety' over elderly people stuck in A&E
Senior doctors have warned of an 'alarming threat to patient safety' after figures showed more than a million elderly people endure long waits in A&E – and the older they are, the more likely they are to experience it. A report from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), shared with the PA news agency, shows that rising numbers of elderly and frail people are stuck in A&E, often on trolleys in corridors. Figures obtained by RCEM via the Freedom of Information Act show that 1.15 million people aged 60 and over waited more than 12 hours to be transferred, admitted or discharged in England's major A&E departments last year. This is a jump from the 991,068 in 2023 and about three times the figure for 2019, when 305,619 were affected. The research also found that the likelihood of experiencing a 12-hour wait in an emergency department increases with the age of the patient. People aged 60-69 have a 15% chance of waiting 12 hours or more, whereas for those aged 90 and above, the likelihood rises to 33%. The RCEM has been looking in detail at the care older people receive and also found that many are missing out on vital checks in A&E. Its Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) study received data from 149 emergency departments involving 24,865 patients. Among patients over 75, the research found insufficient screening for three common conditions which frequently affect older people. Although there have been some improvements, the report found: – Only 16% of patients were screened for delirium – a reversible condition which is linked to increase risk of death and is noted by a sudden change in mental function. – On average, fewer than half (48%) of patients were screened for their risk of falls. – Just over half (56%) were screening for general frailty – which if picked up early can lead to prompt extra support in hospital and at home. The report recommended changes, including 'front door frailty screening' in every A&E. This is already being introduced across Scotland. Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the RCEM, said, 'The healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable patients – more than a million last year. 'These people are our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. 'They aren't receiving the level of care they need, as they endure the longest stays in our emergency departments, often suffering degrading and dehumanising corridor care. 'It's an alarming threat to patient safety. We know long stays are dangerous, especially for those who are elderly, and puts people's lives at risk. 'As our QIP highlights, more needs to be done to improve their care – vital tests need to get under way as soon as they arrive to inform the care they need and mitigate the risk of another visit to the emergency department. 'There are good pockets of practice, and emergency medicine clinicians are trying their best to deliver the care they need. 'It's the system that's the issue and will continue to disproportionally affect older people unless governments across the UK make A&E a political priority.' Dr Anu Mitra, project lead of RCEM's care of older people QIP, said: 'Older people make up a large proportion of attendances to the emergency department, bringing greater health complexities and evolving care needs. 'In the backdrop of worsening crowding and increasing long stays, emergency clinicians need to ensure they maintain the basic elements of care and comfort for older patients. 'It's been encouraging to see that, despite the challenging environments emergency medicine clinicians are working in, there has already been improvements in ensuring these patients are receiving the assessments they need. 'It's vital we continue this work for this vulnerable patient cohort to meet their needs and provide the level of care they deserve.' Dr Nick Murch, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: 'This situation, where over a million older patients are known to have endured prolonged periods of over 12 hours in emergency departments, frequently in unsuitable and undignified settings such as corridors, is a matter of grave concern. 'It is clear that, despite the considerable dedication and hard work of multidisciplinary teams including emergency medicine, acute medicine and acute frailty services, these extended waiting times signify a profound failure within our healthcare system. 'We must ensure that 12-hour waits in emergency departments again become an infrequent exception rather than the norm.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable that older people are waiting up to 12 hours or more in A&E. 'This Government is investing £26 billion in the NHS and social care over the next two years, has ended the resident doctor strikes so staff are on the front line, and is committed to cutting A&E waiting times so patients are seen faster. 'Through our 10-year health plan, we will ensure that patients, including older people, are seen promptly in A&E, waiting times continue to come down, and more people get a GP appointment.'
