In response to Liberal Democrat proposals to tackle ambulance delays and end corridor care. Tim GardnerThe Deputy Director for Policy said:
“The NHS is in crisis. The four-hour target for treating patients in emergency departments has not been met since July 2015 and the enormous strain on urgent and emergency medical services is costing lives. Treating patients in corridors is putting patient safety at risk, but it is only a symptom of wider problems across the health and care system.”
“It’s therefore welcome to see the Liberal Democrats trying to connect the dots and take a whole-system approach to tackling these issues, including tackling social welfare reform – something we haven’t seen from any other major party until now.”
“The 1,000 extra beds and extra funding will help, but it is important not to underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead. In April 2024 alone, more than 42,000 patients spent more than 12 hours on a trolley in the emergency department waiting for a bed.”
“With party manifestos due to be published next week, we need to get a commitment from all parties to deliver the long-term investment the NHS needs. This should include a once-in-a-generation capital raise to boost productivity, modernise ageing hospital buildings, replace outdated equipment and invest in new technology.”
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