Concern as hospitals are ‘close to bursting’

PATIENTS are at “substantial risk” because hospitals are close to bursting point before the worst winter weather, the NHS has warned.

Chiefs said bed-occupancy rates are approaching 99 per cent in some parts of the country. The recommended safe level is 85 per cent.

A report by NHS Providers makes the warning amid fears that Britain could face a flu epidemic this winter and follows tensions with the Government over the funding given to the NHS in the Budget.

Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, awarded the NHS £2.8billion over three years – considerably less than the £4billion that the NHS wanted.

Simon Stevens, head of the NHS, last week suggested that waiting-list targets would have to be sacrificed to protect A&E, cancer treatment and mental health. But Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, insisted targets must be met.

NHS Providers, which represents all NHS hospitals, said there was “little give” in the system, with shortages of paramedics, GPS, A&E consultants and nurses being reported in many places.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “We cannot say with certainty how tough this winter will be, but its is likely services will be sorely tested.”