Leading Emergency Doctors Fear for Safety of A&E Patients This Winter
Survey Reveals Widespread Concerns Over Hospital Conditions
A survey of leading emergency doctors has revealed widespread concerns over the safety of A&E patients this winter. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) conducted the survey, which found that 94% of doctors believe patients are already coming to harm due to the current conditions.
Another 87% of doctors are not confident that their department will cope well this winter, and 83% of patients have been treated in corridors and half in ambulances outside hospitals.
RCEM President’s Warning
RCEM president Dr Adrian Boyle warned that the situation is “a stark warning from those on the front line” and that patients are being exposed to “degrading and dehumanising” conditions.
“Clinicians are worried and patients are unsafe,” Dr Boyle said. “Winter is coming, and it looks like we are facing a massive crisis in every part of the UK.”
Dr Boyle highlighted the need for urgent action to address the crisis, saying that the government must invest more resources in the NHS to prevent patients from being exposed to harm.
Government Response
An NHS England spokesman said that this winter is likely to be another challenging one, but did not provide any specific measures to address the crisis.
Conclusion
The survey results highlight the urgent need for action to address the crisis in A&E departments this winter. The RCEM is calling on the government to invest more resources in the NHS to prevent patients from being exposed to harm. The situation is a stark warning from those on the front line, and it is imperative that action is taken to ensure the safety of A&E patients.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of doctors believe patients are already coming to harm due to the current conditions?
A: 94%
Q: What percentage of doctors are not confident that their department will cope well this winter?
A: 87%
Q: What percentage of patients have been treated in corridors and half in ambulances outside hospitals?
A: 83%
Q: What is the RCEM calling for in response to the crisis?
A: The RCEM is calling for the government to invest more resources in the NHS to prevent patients from being exposed to harm.
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Leading emergency doctors fear for the safety of A&E patients this winter, a survey showsCredit: Getty
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