Doctors demand immediate action to avert winter disaster in Welsh hospitals

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BMA Cymru was responding to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) warning about pressures facing emergency departments in Wales this winter.

BMA Cymru Consultants Committee chairman Dr Manish Adke said: “These findings should leave nobody in any doubt about the scale of the pressure facing emergency departments across Wales.

“When 10 out of 11 clinical leads say they are very or extremely concerned about the winter ahead, and every respondent says pressures are already high or very high, they must be listened to.

“Corridor care remains an ongoing reality in Welsh hospitals, with patients too often being cared for in inappropriate spaces when services are overcrowded.”

The BMA called for long-term, sustained investment across health and social care to reverse years of underfunding, understaffing and reduction in bed capacity in NHS Wales.

The RCEM survey of 150 clinical leads — doctors in charge of A&E departments — from almost all emergency departments in Wales said they are very worried about the pressure departments will face this winter.

RCEM says this should serve as a stark reminder to the government that action is needed right now to avert disaster.

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We recognise the concerns raised by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and thank emergency department staff for their continued dedication under significant pressure.

“Demand for emergency and acute care remains high across Wales. Health boards and partners have winter plans in place to improve patient flow, strengthen system resilience and support timely discharge from hospital.”