NHS stats: government’s lack of urgency in gripping crisis “inexcusable”

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the latest NHS winter sit-rep report which showed that bed occupancy levels remain at 96% with 14,087 beds taken up by patients medically fit to be discharged, the highest this winter, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said:

“The pressure on hospitals remains immense. Patients are waiting hours for treatment and many are unable to get the care they need, with potentially deadly consequences.

“The Conservative Party’s unforgivable neglect has pushed our NHS to the brink but the Labour government’s lack of urgency in gripping this crisis is inexcusable.

“Without fixing social care we will just see this cycle of misery repeat itself year after year.

“This winter has shown that patients cannot wait another three years for action. The government must complete its social care review within the next year at the very latest. Only with a functioning care system can we get people out of hospital beds, relieve the pressure on A&Es, and ensure everyone gets the care they deserve.”

ENDS