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National A&E target hit
Despite soaring patient numbers and one of the busiest days that the emergency department has ever recorded, our Trust has exceeded the national 95% four-hour A&E standard for the first quarter of this year.
In the April to June quarter our emergency department (ED) saw 17,471 patients, with 95.12% being seen within four hours and exceeding the national emergency access standard (95%). This is despite an increase of 3,476 patients compared to the same period in 2016.
This quarter also saw 241 patients attend the ED in one day (Saturday 24 June); the highest number of attendances that the hospital has seen in a single day.
Helen Beck, chief operating officer, said: “I am exceptionally proud of our whole hospital team for this fantastic achievement. It is not just our emergency team who contribute, but the coordination of everyone from across the hospital helps to make this happen.
“For the same period in 2016 we were achieving 85.9% at this stage of the year, which shows the incredible commitment to quality care and the drive of our staff to deliver the very best for patients under sustained pressure.”
Chief executive Stephen Dunn said: “It has not been an easy task to achieve, and I’d like to reiterate my thanks to all our staff, and the wider health economy, for helping to provide such an excellent service to our patients.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in patients attending ED this year compared to last, so our communities can help us in return by making sure they only attend our emergency department when absolutely necessary. The NHS 111 service and pharmacies are better alternative providers for non-life threatening conditions, and help allow our staff to care for our sickest and most life-threatened patients.”
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