A&E department waiting time rises by 40%

A report by the NHS Information Centre shows that the number of patients spending more than 4 hours in casualty rose by 40% in 2010 / 11. The report outlined that a total of 891,916 people were delayed for longer than 4 hours in Accident & Emergency, with the increase blamed on higher numbers of patients facing longer delays due to ultrasounds, CT scans and routine operations.

A representative for the Patients Association said, “Patients should not have to wait 4 hours on end”.

It is suspected that increasing financial strains coupled with confusion caused by the controversial health reforms are thought to be resulting in longer waiting times and substandard patient care.

Linder Myers Solicitors has a specialist clinical and medical negligence team who have undertaken numerous successful claims for patients involved in the negligent treatment by Accident & Emergency staff.

For further information on the expertise of Linder Myers in dealing with the issue raised in this article please contact the Medical Negligence Team on 0844 984 6155/6.