The Government's Latest Attempt to Speed Up Ambulance Turnaround Times in A & E Has Bein Branded an “Immoral and Unacceptable” gimmick that puts patients at risk, leading experts say.
Last Week, NHS English Issued a Directive Stating Ambulance handovers must be completed with 15 minutes, with no delay beyond 45 minutes – Regardless of Hospital Pressures.
But Critics Argue This will for paramedics to 'drop and go', leaving seriously ill patients stranded in corridors, without life-saving equipment, privacy, or dignity.
The move comes as nhs figures are bursting, with record-highth numbers of patients battling norovirus, flu, and winter infections. Last Week (Thursday 6 Feb) The Government Released Figures Showing 98,101 Hospital Beds Were Occupied Daily – 96 Percent – The Highest Number this Winter.
It revealed 961 patients a day are hospitalized with norovirus – A 69 Percent Rise Compared to Last Year. Over 13,000 patients even stuck in Hospital Despite Being Medically Fit for Discharge.
With Hospitalsearear Struggling to Cope, Forcing Ambulances to Offload Patties Quickly Cold Lead to Disaster, Experts Warne.
Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of Oxford University's Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Criticised the Police as Unsafe and Unethical.
“The treatment of Patients in Corridors should be a National Disgrace. It is unsafe, immoral, and completely unacceptable,” He saaid.
Corridor Care –once Reserved for Extreme Emergencies Like Terror Attacks –is Now The Norm, He ADDED. “No other industry with tolerate such conditions.”
Professor heneghan, an urgent care gp, also raised concerns about mismanagement without Ambulance Services, Claiming Too Much of the workforce is stuck in back-offing role, rather than providing front-line can.
Dr. Mashkur Khan, a leading acute Care Specialist, slammed the 45-minute turnaround as a report that could cost lives.
He SAID: “This will mean more patients dumped in corridors, with private, dignity, or access to Vital Care Like Oxygen and Cardiac Arrest Equipment.
Dr. Khan Warned rushed handovers could lead to dangerous mistakes, with staff being forced to cut corners under pressure.
Adding to the problems, He sa, cramming more patients in the hospitals could be worsen the spread of viruses, he added.
He SAID: “They 'trying to fix one problem but making another one worse”
Not all medical professionals oppose the move. Some say the short-term measure is navessary to free up ambulance for 999 Emergency calls.
An NHS English Spokesperson defended the police, Saying:
“This measure is designed to reduce avoidable ambulance displatches, reduce conveyences, and cut handover delays.”