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Waiting time targets at A&E to be scrapped!

(31 Posts)
Yehbutnobut Thu 16-Jan-20 10:24:54

4-hour wait in A&E target to be scrapped

Seems Matt Hancock is about to do away with the 4-hour target. The rot has begun. Let’s see who can justify this!

Callistemon Thu 16-Jan-20 23:25:47

Because many people in A&E are there for reasons which are not urgent and could wait longer than the 4 hour target in a waiting room or be dealt with by a chemist.

Anyone who arrives in an ambulance should be fast-tracked through and could be if people who are there for minor reasons could wait longer.

Or give up, go off grumbling that they'd have to go home , go to the chemist etc or come back again as I have seen people do.

suziewoozie Thu 16-Jan-20 23:39:07

But why would not having targets change that? Surely better triage is the answer ( well partly)

Callistemon Thu 16-Jan-20 23:42:49

I think Teetime's post explains it well and succinctly in a professional way without political bias.

annep1 Fri 17-Jan-20 00:17:38

We need targets or people could wait indefinitely.
Treatment and care when accessed is wonderful. No complaints.
But more staff is needed and more GPs, minor injuries units.
NHS is a shambles. We're paying for a service that isn't delivering.

gillybob Fri 17-Jan-20 02:49:47

There needs to be a quick and efficient triage system where those most in need are prioritised (and it cannot be based on ambulances come first otherwise we will just see more people calling ambulances when they do not need one).

Secondly we need a half way house system (convalescence) in order to free up the beds on wards currently blocked by those unable to go home without some kind of care in place.