Why are UK A&Es overwhelmed with minor issues like hiccups?

A&E departments are seeing a rise in patients with minor ailments, such as hiccups and sore throats, which could be treated elsewhere, adding to winter pressures.

What is the main cause of A&E overcrowding according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine?

The primary cause of A&E overcrowding is a lack of social care capacity, leading to delayed patient discharges and high inpatient bed occupancy.

What advice has Health Secretary Wes Streeting given regarding A&E use this winter?

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged the public to only use A&E for genuine accidents and emergencies to help manage winter pressures on the NHS.

Home / Health / A&E Overwhelmed by Hiccups and Sore Throats This Winter

A&E Overwhelmed by Hiccups and Sore Throats This Winter

4 Dec

•

Summary

A&Es are seeing a surge in patients with minor ailments like hiccups.
Over 200,000 attendances last winter were for conditions treatable elsewhere.
Lack of social care capacity hinders hospital patient discharge.

A&E Overwhelmed by Hiccups and Sore Throats This Winter

Emergency departments across England are experiencing unprecedented pressure, with a notable rise in patients attending A&E for minor ailments like hiccups and ingrowing toenails. Data reveals that last winter, over 200,000 A&E visits were for conditions that could have been addressed by primary care services, such as GPs or pharmacists. This trend is concerning health officials as they brace for what is predicted to be one of the busiest winters yet for the NHS.

The surge in minor conditions, including a significant increase in blocked nose cases, exacerbates the strain on emergency services already facing challenges from the current flu wave and industrial action. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has implored the public to reserve A&E for genuine emergencies, highlighting the potential for patient anxiety and disruption due to upcoming strikes scheduled before Christmas.