Statistics underline the pressure on NHS staff and resources as winter increases demand

NHS in crisis as winter demand increases pressure on staff

Thousands of routine operations were cancelled earlier this month due to staff shortages and increased demand during the winter months. Whilst some of our local hospitals fared better than others, recent figures for ambulance delays and bed occupancy during the period to the end on 2017 provide further evidence that the NHS needs the extra cash. Across the UK more than 100,000 patients have had to wait this winter in the back of an ambulance for at least 30 mins due to overcrowding.

LOCAL HOSPITALS - PERIOD FROM 20 NOVEMBER TO THE END OF THE YEAR 2017

Ipswich Hospital had 37 days when they were 95% full and 9 days when 99% full. There were a total of 653 ambulance delays with 143 over 60 minutes

James Paget had 37 days with 95% occupancy, 35 days with 99% occupancy and 28 days when full. Total delays over 30 minutes =147 with 53 over 60 minutes.

Colchester were 95% full for 37 days and 99% occupancy on 11 days and full on 1 day. Total delays over 30mins = 966 with 297 over 60 minutes

Norfolk and Norwich were full on 2 days, 95% occupancy on 24 days and 99% full on 4 days. Total delays over 30 minutes = 150 with 95 over 60 minutes.

A National Audit Office report just released, says that £1.8bn handed to the NHS in 2016 to give it space to set itself up for future years has been spent almost entirely on dealing with existing problems, increased demand whilst working under financial constraints.

The Lib Dems set out a clear plan to provide the extra investment that is so desperately needed. By putting a penny on income tax, more money could be put straight into our NHS and social care.