Responding to the Royal College Of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) report on excess deaths due to long Emergency Department waits, Dr Iona Collins, chair of the BMA’s Welsh Council said: 

“The latest RCEM figures reflect the shockingly poor state of affairs within our current NHS in Wales.

“Nearly 1,000 deaths in Wales linked to people waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments represents a profound failure of the system and an unimaginable loss for families. Harm is happening to those who wait for care that should be immediately available to them. 

“As doctors in Wales, we have repeatedly raised the alarm about overcrowding and corridor care, which harms patients. Treating people in corridors, waiting areas or chairs is undignified, unsafe and unacceptable.

“Frontline staff will continue to do the best they can in the circumstances placed upon them, working under relentless pressure. The predictable outcome of chronic bed shortages, poor patient flow management and inadequate social care resourcing is where we find ourselves now.

“With a Senedd election approaching, all political parties must commit to ending corridor care and tackling the causes of long waits. These deaths were not inevitable and with appropriate investment, those with the will to stop this can do so.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.