Only way to be seen early': Readers on A&E visits for minor problems

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

"Independent readers reacting to figures showing millions of minor ailments clogging A&E said the crisis isn't down to patients it's a system pushed to breaking point. Many argued that impossible waits for GP appointments sometimes stretching weeks leave people no choice but to turn up at A&E, often for conditions that could have been treated much earlier. Several shared alarming experiences of being ignored or sent home despite serious symptoms,"

The Independent sends journalists to report on reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, investigates entities like Elon Musk's pro‑Trump PAC, and produces documentaries such as 'The A Word' about American women fighting for reproductive rights. The outlet keeps reporting free of paywalls and relies on donations to fund reporters on the ground. Independent readers responding to A&E figures attribute overcrowding to system failures, long GP waits, and underinvestment in primary care. Readers report being ignored or sent home despite serious symptoms. Proposed solutions include triage nurses, priority coding, financial deterrents for non‑emergency visits, and accountability measures for GP practices.

Read at www.independent.co.uk