Leading doctors have warned that the care given to emergency patients is being compromised by a greater concern by hospital managers to meet targets for elective surgery.
In recent years, targets concerning waiting times and cancelled operations were introduced by the Labour government. However, the country’s senior doctors have argued that these targets have delayed the treatment of emergency patients. Patients had to be treated within 18 weeks of a referral by their GP. As a result of this, hospitals became focus driven on attaining this target in order to avoid financial penalties.
Immediately preceding this warning by leading doctors, the NHS was also criticised over its care for the elderly. A report revealed that approximately two thirds of those who died within a month of surgery had not received proper care. In addition, the report suggested that most of these patients were being treated for bowel condition or broken hips which are usually admitted as emergency cases.
It is imperative for patients suffering from emergency conditions to receive the care they require as quickly as possible in order to improve their chances of recovery. It is not acceptable to delay care for emergency patients simply to meet targets. Priority should be given to those in need. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.
If you or anybody you know has had to wait an unacceptable time for treatment which has subsequently led to harm, please do not hesitate to contact us at abennett@gadllp.co.uk or alternatively, please call a member of our team on 0151 733 3353 or 02082090166.
