Stretched medics plead for ‘overwhelmed’ A&E units to be turned into healthcare hubs
Report claims the current system is 'chaotic' and 'dangerous for patients'
A&E units are “overwhelmed” and should be turned into hubs where patients can also see GPs, pharmacists and specialists for the elderly, a report claims.
Many who turn up do not need an emergency medical doctor and could be helped by other staff.
But the work they are currently creating is “unsustainable” for over-stretched units, it warns.
The report follows a crisis summit between the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the Royal College of Nursing.
It warns: “The system is overwhelmed.
“Crowded and chaotic departments are dangerous for patients and demoralising for staff.”
The medics want to see better training for staff and a new culture of collaboration across hospitals and the whole NHS.
RCN chief exec Janet Davies said: “The time for action is now. Patients deserve better.”
