Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

A&E DEPARTMENTS: WINTER PRESSURE

03 November 2016 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Sarah Wollaston Con Totnes

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Wollaston raised concerns about a&e departments: winter pressure in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Health Committee's report highlights that the pressure on A&E departments is now year-round, with average daily attendances of around 40,000 people in major A&Es, an increase of 6,000 per day compared to five years ago.
  • Only approximately 88% of patients are being admitted, transferred or discharged within the four-hour target, falling short of the 95% standard.
  • The committee is concerned about social care deficiencies and infrastructure inadequacies affecting A&E performance, calling for more funding in the Chancellor's autumn statement.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sarah Wollaston Con Totnes

The Health Committee's report highlights that the pressure on A&E departments is now year-round, with average daily attendances of around 40,000 people in major A&Es, which was an increase of 6,000 per day compared to five years ago. The report also notes that only approximately 88% of patients are being admitted, transferred or discharged within the four-hour target, falling short of the 95% standard. The committee is concerned about social care deficiencies and infrastructure inadequacies affecting A&E performance, calling for more funding in the Chancellor's autumn statement.

Other contributors (6)
  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

    Echoing Sarah Wollaston’s remarks, Justin Madders highlights that years of underfunding in social care are now having a dramatic effect on A&E presentations. He questions whether the Chancellor will propose a better solution than relying on local councils to raise funds for necessary social care improvements.

  • Philip Dunne Con Worcestershire

    Dunne expresses appreciation for the Health Committee’s report and acknowledges that the NHS is facing a challenging winter but notes increased preparation with more staff ready for the busiest time of year. He mentions nine out of ten people being seen in A&E within four hours despite increased demand.

  • Ben Bradshaw Lab Exeter

    Bradshaw agrees that the four-hour A&E target is crucial and expresses concern over potential pressures if this winter turns out to be colder or with a significant flu outbreak, which could exacerbate current issues.

  • Andrew Selous Con South West Cornwall

    Selous proposes an initiative from hospitals in Fife where senior consultants were put into A&E departments leading to a 30% reduction in hospital admissions. He suggests that other hospitals could benefit from similar measures.

  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Smyth critiques the repetitive nature of winter plans for A&Es and questions the effectiveness of current funding allocations, particularly concerning general practice sustainability issues in south Bristol.

  • Sarah Wollaston Con Tavistock

    Emphasises the importance of considering A&E winter pressures as a systemic issue, highlighting that inadequate primary care access drives up A&E usage. Acknowledges Luton and Dunstable’s co-location initiative but cautions against its universal application without thorough evaluation. Stresses the need for timely access to primary care.

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