Patient safety threat: A&E swapped by record high numbers

Hospitals around the UK are facing record numbers of patients coming into A&E, overwhelming the service. New records have been set, surpassing that of the worst days in the winter of 2019. 

Concerns over patient safety have been raised amid fears lives may be lost. It has been revealed by doctors working in A&E that patients are waiting to be seen as long as nine hours and the increased influx of people needing urgent treatment is putting more pressure on hospital beds. 

There are also reports of growing levels of violence towards medical staff from frustrated public. Dr Adrian Boyle has said "there is no quick fix" and that the increased pressure and violence from members of the public have created a "toxic work environment". 

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Source: The Independent, 20 June 2021