Emergency doctors warn of winter pressure in Wales and Scotland

Emergency department clinical leads in Wales and Scotland have issued warnings regarding severe pressures facing A&E services this winter. A survey by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) indicates that medical professionals are bracing for increased patient demand, longer wait times, and a higher risk of patient harm.

In Wales, ten out of eleven clinical leads surveyed expressed being ‘very or extremely concerned’ about upcoming pressures. Dr Rob Perry, RCEM Wales vice-president, noted that departments have struggled through a difficult summer, leaving little capacity for the winter season. He urged the Welsh Government to increase bed capacity and improve discharge resources to prevent overcrowding.

In Scotland, nine in ten clinical leads reported concerns about winter readiness. Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Scotland Vice President, stated that departments have been in a ‘state of crisis’ throughout the year, with many patients facing waits of over twelve hours. The RCEM is calling on the Scottish Government to reduce these long waits by 50% to mitigate the link between overcrowding and increased mortality rates.