WIREDGOV

Hospitals across England continued to miss key targets during the month of November.

The NHS saw the worst performance by A&E departments since records began in 2010, with only 91.4% of patients being seen within the four hour target time. 

Targets were also missed on ambulance response times, 111 services, diagnostic test waiting times and cancer services. There also continued to be severe delays in discharging vulnerable patients who are medically fit to leave hospital. 

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said:

“While these figures are unfortunately no longer surprising, they are very worrying for patients. We have yet to see the worst of the winter weather, and performance, which was already poor, is dramatically falling across the NHS. Patients are being put at risk because services simply cannot cope with demand.

It is particularly concerning to see the number of patients who are fit to leave hospital but cannot be discharged due to inadequate community care services. Not only does this put patients at risk by preventing new admissions, it also causes unnecessary distress to patients and carers. There must be more focus on providing care services that can look after vulnerable patients and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve

The NHS cannot tackle missed targets and poor service without an increase in resources, particularly in frontline staff. The government needs to provide additional funding and support, as the number of missed targets will inevitably increase as winter sets in. Patients deserve an NHS that can provide the safe and effective care they need.”

Notes to Editors:

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system.

For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, at the Patients Association on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com

Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk