Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other organisations)
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The Patients Association’s response to the NHS deficit
Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association responsded to the NHS deficit.
“Today’s alarming figures show that NHS Foundation Trusts are under massive financial pressure, which will have a huge impact on the safety of patients’ right across the country. Already we are seeing Trusts missing waiting times targets, with over 10,000 patients waiting longer than the recommended six weeks for diagnostics tests. This is totally unacceptable and the NHS should not be in this situation now. Bed shortages also resulted in 29,000 patients waiting on trolleys for more than four hours in A&E, which is completely unacceptable for a modern health service. This compromises the safety and dignity of sick patients.”
“Unfortunately this only confirms what we are being told on a daily basis, on our National Helpline from patients, public and carers. With the winter period looming, there is an urgent need to address these fundamental failings and the Government must put patient needs at the heart of the care sector. We have to focus on improving waiting times for A&E and cancer patients, as well as reducing rates of infections like C. difficile, which remain worryingly high.
We are frequently told on our National Helpline that staff morale is low. The Government has to address this crisis – we cannot afford to compromise the safety of patients. The NHS now needs financial support and emergency funding to help relieve the crisis we are now experiencing.”
“The Patients Association has launched a new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Patient Safety, which will closely monitor these very important issues.”
Notes for Editors
The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, and has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the Health and Social care system.
For further information please contact the Patients Association on 020 8423 9111 alternatively you can call 07779 004898.
You can also visit us on our website at www.patients-association.org.uk
You can also view our All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Patient Safety at http://www.patientsassociation.org.uk/policy-campaigns/all-party-parliamentary-group-patient-safety/
