Sir Ed Davey condemns ‘appalling delays’ and alarming postcode lottery in A&E, demanding urgent action

In a staggering revelation, the latest NHS England figures expose a severe A&E crisis, with a record-breaking 420,000 patients enduring agonizing waits of over 12 hours last year. This marks a troubling 20% surge from 2022 and an alarming 50-fold increase compared to four years ago, as highlighted by analysis from the Liberal Democrats.

Leader Sir Ed Davey didn’t mince his words, condemning the “appalling delays” and drawing attention to a troubling postcode lottery that has left almost half of patients in some trusts, including the North Middlesex University Hospital Trust, languishing for more than 12 hours.

Sir Ed voiced his concerns, stating, “Every year, A&E delays are getting worse and worse as hospitals are starved of the resources and staff they need.” The gravity of the situation is evident in the stark comparison between 2019, where 8,272 patients faced “trolley waits” of 12 hours or more, and the shocking surge in 2023, with the number ballooning to a staggering 419,560.

Patricia Marquis, expressing her concerns, emphasized the urgent need for the government to commit to safe nurse staffing levels, asserting, “Ultimately, patients won’t get the care they deserve until the Government addresses this critical issue.”

As the crisis deepens, the call for immediate action to address the strained A&E system grows louder. The distressing statistics underscore the pressing need for increased resources, staffing, and a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the burden on A&E departments nationwide.