Record number of ambulances queue at A&E departments in England

The extent of the gridlock in hospitals over the festive period has been revealed, with data in England showing record numbers of ambulances delayed dropping off patients at A&E departments.

 

In the week up to 1^st January, more than 40 per cent of crews were forced to wait at least half an hour to had over patients, the highest level since records began ten years ago.

 

However, there is hope that pressures could start to ease, with Covid and flu admissions dropping last week, both having risen sharply recently.  One in seven beds was occupied by patients with these infections by the start of the year.

 

The UK Health Security Agency is warning it is too early to say whether the flu season – the worst in a decade – has peaked, because reporting lags over Christmas may have affected the data.

 

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said “We knew this winter would be one of the most difficult in the history of the NHS and I want to thank staff for all their hard work in caring for and treating so many patients while dealing with record demand on services, including the enormous pressure from flu and Covid.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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