NHS waiting times rise: Lib Dems call for Streeting to focus on NHS rather than leadership spat

EMBARGO: Immediate release

1 in 10 (10.8%) patients had to wait more than 12 hours in A&E in October. 164,880 patients had to wait more than 12 hours from arrival to admission, up 20,000 on September and up nearly 40,000 on August.

The Liberal Democrats have told Wes Streeting to be “focused on rescuing our NHS from a devastating winter crisis, not a leadership spat with Number 10.”

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said:

“Wes Streeting should be focused on rescuing our NHS from a devastating winter crisis, not a leadership spat with Number 10. The Government needs to get a grip or patients will never forgive them. Currently, it is failing them.

“These shocking statistics are stark - the Government has failed to rescue an NHS in crisis.  Behind these statistics are thousands of people in pain and distress desperately waiting for the care they need.

“Only the Liberal Democrats have a plan that can save our NHS and end corridor care. We are calling for an immediate emergency package this winter, with extra social care places so people can be discharged, 1,000 extra hospital beds, and a qualified clinician in every A&E waiting room to protect patients at risk.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The NHS statistics (ECDS time series Feb 2023 onwards) can be found here https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/