NHS executives have warned that the stretched A&E departments are facing “absolute chaos” over the anniversary weekend as holiday pressures and low staffing combine.
Pressure on emergency departments has increased in recent months, with patients affected by huge delays in treatment as well as longer emergency response times.
Health officials fear an increase in demand over the four-day weekend marking the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation could overwhelm hospitals, and extended pub hours are also likely to contribute to increased A&E visits, while ambulance services are concerned that attacks on staff could increase.
Inside data from the Easter weekend, seen by The Independent, show a jump in ambulance calls. Doctors say resources have stretched even more since then, and this weekend could be even worse.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents the NHS trusts, told The Independent that bank holidays are always a “challenging time” when staff shortages are combined with public activities where people can they drink too much. ‘
“This is happening against the backdrop of more than 100,000 vacancies… which makes it even more challenging,” he added.
Dr Tim Kuxley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said that bank holidays tend to put more pressure on services because there are fewer alternative care options, which affects “already stretched” emergency services and exacerbates “What is already a serious situation.
He said: “There are certainly concerns about the extended period of bank vacations, but this is largely because the pressure is – and has been for some time – unsustainable, so the system is not giving up.
“We know that long bank vacations tend to increase the pressure on the NHS front line, as there will be fewer opportunities for alternative and routine care during the period, and this creates problems because emergency and urgent services are already so stretched. .
“Despite the best efforts of the clinical staff, morale is extremely low, as these efforts are not yielding the desired results, and the distraction of the anniversary celebrations should not reduce the fact that there is an emergency in the NHS.
Ambulance delays and long waits for treatment are already a problem for patients
(EPA)
Meanwhile, insider figures seen by The Independent show that more than 4,000 people waited at least three times more than the four-hour target on Good Friday and nearly 3,000 on Easter Monday. The number of people waiting more than 12 hours increased just after Easter Monday.
The number of ambulances visiting A&E also increased on Good Friday and Easter Monday – to just over 12,500 from about 11,500 – while the number of patients waiting to be discharged from the hospital increased from about 18,000 during the holiday to 19,500 in the days after.
Trusts across the country have already advised patients to “consider their options” before visiting A&E, warning of a long wait this weekend.
A senior NHS medic said emergency departments were already experiencing “bad weather” and that the four-day weekend would increase that pressure.
“Adding minor injuries to some children, some people go out to the pub … put in the two magic ingredients and you’ll get absolute chaos,” he said, adding that the upcoming holiday season is “very bad news for the NHS.” [with] additional arrivals on a summer night and a bustling holiday weekend. You really don’t have to predict how bad it will be. “
Martin Flaherty, managing director of the Association of Ambulance CEOs, said a possible increase in staff attacks was also a problem after the Northeast Ambulance said increased drinking during previous banking holidays had led to more attacks on its workers. .
“We know from experience that holiday events where alcohol is prevalent can sometimes lead to an increased risk of violence, assault and aggression against ambulance staff by a very small minority, which is completely unacceptable,” he said.
He added that the figures show that about 32 ambulance workers were abused or attacked every day, and called on people to respect the workers “who try to help you, your friends and your families during the holidays”.
Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, warned that an even bigger problem could arise in the days following the bank holiday weekend, when hospitals may find it difficult to discharge patients while staff rest.
Dr Boyle said June was usually a good time for the service to deal with the reception, but as A&E’s performance in April was the worst in history, there was a “significant risk” associated with the holiday.
An NHS spokesman said: “As families and friends across the country attend jubilee celebrations, we want to assure you that despite the various pressures, staff are working hard to ensure that NHS care remains accessible to all.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been contacted for comment.
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