100,000 stuck in ambulances this winter ‘entirely unacceptable’ – Jonathan Ashworth

Labour’s
analysis of the latest NHS England winter data reveals that over 100,000
patients have been stuck in the back of ambulances this winter.

Labour’s
analysis further reveals that almost 25,000 patients have been forced to wait
longer than one hour. The recommended ambulance handover time according to NHS
Improvement is 15 minutes.                                

Jonathan
Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to Labour’s analysis of ambulance delays,
said:

“Despite
the brilliant efforts of our NHS staff, these findings reveal the uncomfortable
reality for many patients this winter. It is unacceptable that over 100,000
patients have been stuck in the back of ambulances for over 30 minutes, a
waiting time which is more than double the recommendation of NHS Improvement.

“Under
the Tories bed numbers have been cut by over 14,000, and as a result bed
occupancy has remained at dangerously high levels this winter. Last week it was
94.9 per cent, which is nearly 10 per cent
higher than the recommended safe level.

“Labour
will give our health service the funding it needs to remain a world class
service for all.”

Ends