Medical sector bodies call for urgent solution to emergency care crisis

Representatives of the NHS workforce have urged the government to respond positively to recent figures highlighting the pressure on accident and emergency departments nationwide.

With recent data indicating that waiting times in England have risen to their worst levels for a decade, the British Medical Association (BMA) has suggested the NHS lacks the staff and resources it needs to treat patients any more efficiently.

Dr Mark Porter, BMA council chair, said: "Staff are working flat out but the system is struggling to cope with the sheer number of patients coming through the door."

The Royal College of Nursing concurred with this view, complaining that cuts to nurse training places and under-resourcing of community services and social care are partly to blame for the current problems.

Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: "Patients and hardworking staff are being let down by a system which is in crisis."

Meanwhile, the Royal College of GPs said the current problems in emergency departments should not mask the pressing need for increased investment in general practice as well, noting that proactively improving these services will ultimately help to reduce pressure on emergency care.