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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Storm Newton

Elderly patients facing alarming wait times in A&E

  • Over 100,000 elderly patients, including more than 53,000 aged 80 or over, endured waits of up to three days in A&E corridors and waiting rooms last year before being admitted to a hospital ward.
  • Age UK's analysis, based on Freedom of Information requests, revealed that some patients were reportedly forced to lie on the floor and wash in toilet sinks during these prolonged delays.
  • The charity condemned the situation as "routine" in some NHS hospitals and expressed doubt that the government fully appreciates the seriousness or has a plan to address it.
  • Age UK is calling for the government to implement a funded plan with specific deadlines to reduce A&E waits and end "corridor care," alongside regular data collection and the appointment of a responsible minister.
  • Recent NHS England figures for December show 50,775 patients waited over 12 hours and 137,763 waited at least four hours from the decision to admit to actual admission.

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