More patients enduring long waits

‘Unprecedented’ demands facing accident units

Even fewer patients are being seen in Kent hospitals within four hours, according to the latest A&E waiting time figures.

Every emergency department in the county performed worse in December than the month before.

At hospitals in east Kent, including the William Harvey in Ashford, less than three quarters of patients received treatment within the four-hour target.

The situation was even worse in Medway, where four patients had to wait more than 12 hours to be seen.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals dealt with more than 13,000 patients in December, with just under 80% being seen in the target time.

About the same percentage of people were treated within four hours in Dartford and Gravesham – down more than 10 percent on the month before.

The figures for East Kent, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and Dartford and Gravesham trusts also include waiting times at A&E waiting times have worsened at the William Harvey minor injuries units. The East Kent trust had been in special measures after inspectors failed its hospitals in a number of areas.

However, in December last year, it was announced by England’s chief inspector that it should be taken out of special measures.

Meanwhile, at Medway, the last interim inspection by the CQC in March last year found the hospital was safer and making progress, but had to remain in special measures.

An East Kent Hospitals spokesman said: “Winter always places demand upon our emergency departments but, this year, the demands have been unprecedented.

“We’ve seen more patients arrive by ambulance, and large numbers of people presenting at our emergency departments.

“Despite the demands we never allow patient care or safety to be compromised, and medical teams are delivering the usual high standards of care.

“We fully appreciate that long waits in our emergency departments can be frustrating for patients, but we do all we can to make a patient’s visit as comfortable as possible and tackle any pain or discomfort.

“Patients can also help us by using our emergency departments appropriately. Many minor illnesses and injuries can be treated elsewhere – such as a minor injuries unit, GP surgery or pharmacy.”