15.03.13
A&E waiting time targets breached at 36% of trusts
The number of trusts failing to meet waiting times for A&E services has more than doubled in Q3 compared to the same time last year, new figures from Monitor show.
Foundation trusts stated that an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, as well as increased attendances from elderly patients and discharge delays due to problems accessing community care services all contributed to the problem.
Out of foundation trusts with an A&E department, 36% missed the A&E waiting time target compared with 8% in Q2 and 16% in Q3 a year ago.
Additionally, only one in four trusts are delivering the cost savings they had planned to make, and the “cumulative slip” now amounts to 16% of the total savings planned for the year to date.
Stephen Hay, managing director of Provider Regulation said: “There is a greater demand for A&E service across the NHS, but it is not acceptable that patients have to wait longer. Trusts need to work with local healthcare partners to understand and address these issues.
“It is important for all trusts to make sure they deliver cost savings in this tight financial environment, while maintaining and improving the quality of care for patients. Monitor has regularly reminded trusts of the importance of making savings early in the year to prevent problems being stored up for later.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “This report is an unsettling but unsurprising insight into a system which is struggling to cope with fewer resources and rising demand, and it is patients who are suffering as a result.
“We know from our own research and from our members that the system is running at capacity, and cannot handle any extra demand such as winter viruses. It is unacceptable for patients to have to wait so long during an already difficult time.
“You cannot take resources away from acute care if the community services are not there to take up the slack.”
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