"These alarming NHSE statistics show the toll winter is taking on both patients and staff - and how vital it is that the government affords equal focus on what happens to patients when they need to come into hospital, rather than relying on efforts to stop them coming there as the only line of attack. Long ambulance handover delays, rising long stays, and delayed discharges are symptoms of the same system failure."
"These issues cannot be solved without looking at the whole picture, and without plans designed to have long term impacts. It's essential that the government works in partnership with NHS leaders and frontline clinicians to design sustainable solutions, and ensure policies intended to reduce bed occupancy and support safer care. It is also vital that our Emergency Department (ED) staff are supported in their daily work, given that rates of absence have also increased, with 51,588 staff off each day on average."
NHS England weekly winter data for the week ending 1 February show 30,298 patients stayed in hospital over 14 days, the highest this winter and since week 9 of 2022/23. A further 19,285 patients stayed 21 days or more, the highest this winter and since week 10 of 2024/2025. Bed occupancy by patients with Norovirus is among the worst on record this winter. Ambulance handover times remain stable, with one in three handovers taking 30 minutes or more. Average daily staff absence rose to 51,588, increasing operational pressures and prompting calls for long-term, system-wide solutions and better support for emergency staff.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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