Health Policy

Health Committee launches inquiry into winter pressures on A&E

Hospital measures for coping with the impact of winter on emergency departments are to be scrutinised in a new Health Select Committee inquiry.

The committee said it would examine “the underlying question” of “why the NHS finds it necessary to continue to implement specific plans to cope with winter pressure when it is well established that seasonal change will alter the nature of demand”.

It said it was seeking evidence on the measures being taken by hospital trusts to prepare for winter pressure, how hospital trusts work with their local health and social care partners and how they are supported on a national level.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine called the NHS’ performance over last winter “well below what is acceptable,” after finding that the number of patients seen within four hours was consistently below 90%.

The inquiry is open to written evidence until 5 August. To submit evidence, click here.

(Image c. Rui Vieira from PA Wire)

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