Record number of visits to A&E services
A RECORD number of people turned up to accident and emergency departments across Bristol last month, as NHS leaders warn the health service is experiencing “winter in summer”.
Some people seeking help from hospital A&E services only had minor conditions such as colds, hay fever and headaches, despite a plea several weeks ago for people to only attend where necessary.
June saw a huge spike in demand for non-coronavirus related urgent healthcare, as well as another surge in virus cases, leading to unprecedented demand across England, according to the NHS Confederation.
A total of 8,728 people visited North Bristol NHS Trust’s A&E services last month – the highest number since monthly records began in 2015.
Numbers at the trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, were 30 per cent higher than for the same month last year during lockdown.
Of those arriving this June, just 64.4 per cent were admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours. That was the worst performance on record, down from 72.7 per cent in May, and well below the target of 95 per cent.
Last week, the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust reported that “violent
and aggressive behaviour towards staff ” had also increased.
In a video the trust posted on Twitter, a nurse at the children’s hospital said the emergency department had seen “increased numbers” and “increased acuity”.
A spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “In recent weeks, our local A&E departments have seen a significant increase in
attendances.
Many people [are] presenting with very minor conditions such as colds, hay fever and headaches, which can often be treated more quickly and effectively with overthe-counter medication from a pharmacist.
“This can increase waiting times for people in A&E with more serious conditions, including those arriving by ambulance.
“We continue to urge people to ‘help us help you’ by using the right service for your needs and using 111 first, online or by phone, if you’re thinking of going to A&E with a non-emergency injury or illness.”
Across England, 2.2 million people visited A&E in June, up from 2.1 million in May and 1.4 million last June.
Of those admitted, 1,289 had to wait more than 12 hours for a bed – the highest June figure on record.