Urgent and emergency care in the UK is facing another winter of discontent, with patients experiencing prolonged waits, corridor care, and delays in ambulance response times. Hospital occupancy levels are dangerously high, leaving no room for a surge in demand. The combination of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, covid-19, and norovirus will overwhelm the system. Patient harm is increasing, with older and frail patients waiting for hours in corridors, leading to physical and psychological harm. Staff are experiencing burnout and high levels of absence. Expert reports suggest increased resources and transparency are needed for crisis recovery. Without long-term investment in staff and capacity, discontent will persist.
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Another winter of discontent looms for NHS urgent and emergency care
