Plan for two-tier A&E as part of radical shake-up

[Northerner]

A two-tier A&E system in England should be created as part of an overhaul of services, NHS chiefs say.

The review by NHS England suggested the biggest units - specialising in heart attacks, strokes and trauma - be called major emergency centres.

It also suggested changes to the way ambulance crews and the new 111 phone service work to "decongest" A&Es.

Greater co-ordination between community services, such as GPs and pharmacists, would also help, it said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24914385

 

[Redkite]

No no and no!

What a stupid idea 😡 The reason A&E departments are struggling is because they have ALREADY closed so many in the name of "improving" services. Our nearest A&E is 45 minutes away. People are going to die before they get anywhere near a hospital

 

[Northerner]

This is something they seem to overlook (incredibly!) every time they talk about centralising services in specialist centres

It strikes me that, if 40% of people shouldn't be in A&E, why did so many walk-in centres get closed? Those that remain open had their hours reduced. Stupid decision.

Whilst I'm ranting I'm also sick of hearing the coalition's response every time there is a report about the lack of nurses and doctors, 'there are 1300 more nurses than there were a year ago' - maybe, but how many did we lose in the previous two years? And even if there had been an overall increase in doctors and nurses, if there still aren't enough to meet demand then we need many more! 😡 No cuts to the NHS under the coalition, but only an increase of 0.1% in budget per year - are the NHS not subject to inflation at over 2% then? This government is incompetent

 

[zuludog]

Does anyone remember when the Guardian used to do amusing articles on April 1st?
One of them was an advertisement for a government Minister who, amongst other things, had to introduce 'searing cuts to services under the guise of improvements'
It went on to say that no qualifications were required, but an ability to read and write would be an advantage

Many a true word...