Responding to the latest survey from NHS Providers about the challenges facing Trusts, Dr Adrian Boyle, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said:

“The health service is facing serious pressures: with the backlog of elective care reaching 5.1 million patients; and the urgent and emergency care system facing record breaking attendances.

“It is an incredibly challenging time, but we support our Trust Leaders and recognise that they are doing what they can to manage the current situation.

“We support NHS Providers and their three steps the government can take to ease pressures currently facing Trusts. We particularly welcome NHS Providers call for action ahead of winter and the likely increase of pressures that covid, flu and respiratory illnesses will bring, in tandem with the urgent tackling of elective care.

“Since April 2021, the College has warned of the threat of winter and the need to prepare the health service and ready Emergency Departments. It is absolutely essential that we ensure there is adequate capacity, adequate access to alternative care, departments have the right resources, and that staff are prepared. Our Summer to Recover: Winter-proofing Urgent and Emergency Care for 2021 outlines the steps the government, NHS Trusts and Boards, and ED Leadership Teams can take to prepare ahead of winter.

“We welcome the recognition from NHS Providers of this threat ahead, now we wait for the urgent action and leadership from government that is desperately needed.”