Forced to wait 12 hours for A&E treatment

Almost 17,400 Ulster patients hit by delays

ALMOST 50 patients had to wait more than 12 hours for treatment in A&ES every day last year.

The number that faced long delays to be seen by a doctor or were sent home or admitted reached almost 17,400.

It signifies a huge jump from the previous year when just 6,494 had to wait 12 hours in Northern Ireland.

But that figure had almost doubled from the previous three years.

The Health and Social Board said while the increases are “not acceptable” the longer waits are down to the growing numbers of patients presenting at hospitals. A statement said: “Emergency Departments experienced a very challenging year (April 2017 to March 2018).

“The winter months EDS were exceptionally busy and some people had to wait longer to be seen, treated, and either discharged or admitted to hospital.

“The service is taking steps to ensure improvements are put in place.” The service blamed a rise in the number of older, sicker people at A&ES and the challenges in helping them return home. It added: “About three out of four patients were treated within four hours. “However, more people had to wait longer than 12 hours to be seen, treated and either discharged or admitted to hospital. We recognise this needs to improve.” It was also revealed emergency units are taking longer to triage patients.

Staff involved in this process decide how serious your condition is and how quickly treatment is needed.

And it takes medics up to 47 minutes to see 95% of patients from their arrival at Belfast Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital.

The Health and Social Board said the £8million invested in transforming care in 2018-19 will be used to enhance and reform services.

SCANDAL A&ES faced tough year