People are enduring lengthy waits in crowded A&E departments, with some waiting for up to a week before receiving treatment, according to a charity’s report.
Recent analysis by Age UK reveals a significant surge in elderly individuals waiting in A&E between one to three days, with a 75-fold increase. The charity has highlighted distressing experiences faced by the elderly in A&E, emphasizing that the oldest members of society are disproportionately affected by the national A&E crisis, often left abandoned in hospital waiting areas.
Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests shows that in 2024/25, there were 102,000 cases of individuals over 65 waiting between 24 to 72 hours in A&E after being admitted. More than half of these cases, approximately 54,000, involved individuals aged 80 and above. This marks a stark contrast to 2018/19 when over-65s waited in A&E for one to three days only 1,346 times.
While NHS England attributes waits exceeding three days to data quality issues, Age UK disputes this claim, citing instances where individuals have waited even longer, up to a week in some cases.
Caroline Abrahams, the director of Age UK, expressed shock over the situation, condemning the fact that over 100,000 individuals aged over 65 had to endure prolonged waits for hospital beds, with a majority being over 80 years old. She highlighted the distressing reality faced by elderly patients waiting in uncomfortable conditions, often alone and without basic care.
The charity’s report features accounts from elderly patients describing their harrowing experiences, including being left unattended, developing health issues, and feeling neglected and dehumanized during their time in A&E.
The report also mentions NHS data indicating that patients spending more than 12 hours in A&E are at a higher risk of mortality compared to those seen within two hours of arrival. Age UK points out that older individuals, who often have complex health needs, are more likely to face extended waiting times due to the nature of their conditions.
Ms. Abrahams called for urgent action to address the dire situation in some hospitals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent further suffering among older patients in A&E.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the distressing stories shared by patients in A&E, attributing the challenges to inherited issues within the NHS. The government highlighted efforts to improve emergency care services, reduce waiting times, and enhance access to healthcare through various initiatives and investments.
The government emphasized its commitment to transforming healthcare delivery and alleviating pressure on hospitals, citing significant investments, increased vaccination efforts, and the implementation of a 10-Year Health Plan to enhance community-based care. They also mentioned forthcoming data on corridor care to ensure transparency and accountability in healthcare services.