- Over 13,000 patients in England's emergency departments endured waits exceeding three days last year, according to a new analysis by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
- Nearly half a million patients (493,751) waited over 24 hours in A&E before admission, transfer, or discharge, marking a one-third increase since 2023.
- Medical experts, including the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, highlighted that 24-hour waits were virtually unheard of before 2020 and now contribute to patient harm and increased mortality, with doctors expressing shame.
- The NHS acknowledged the issue, citing record A&E attendances in March and ongoing reforms to the urgent and emergency care system, noting some early evidence of reductions in ”corridor care”.
- Despite a recent decrease in 12-hour waits from decision to admit, medical professionals argue that current government commitments are insufficient, calling for much more urgent and substantial change to resolve the crisis.
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