NHS England today welcomes the publication of the Health and Social Care Centre’s Focus on Accident and Emergency.

Data going back to 2004 shows how patterns of use have changed: attendances have grown by 11 per cent over four years, with 60,000 people per day using A&E services.

Professor Keith Willett, Director for Acute Episodes of Care at NHS England, said:

“We know that A&E services are under increasing pressure, and I would like to thank our NHS staff for their ceaseless efforts, which have meant that more than 95% of people continue to be seen and treated, and either discharged or admitted, within four hours of their arrival.

“Last month, NHS England’s Medical Director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh set out his vision for emergency and urgent care in England.  Expert clinicians will be working in conjunction with patients and our partner organisations over the next year to set out a clear action plan to make that vision a reality.

“The data published today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre cover much of the same areas as those analysed by NHS England in setting out the evidence base behind our vision. We know that too many people are attending major A&E units when they could have received advice or treatment equally well out hospitals, from GPs or at urgent care centres, from paramedics or from pharmacists, had those options been more  available.

“We know that systemic change is needed across our urgent and emergency care system, so that all aspects of the health and social care system from major illness, trauma and mental health crisis, through to minor ailments and the management of long-term conditions, do work together to get the best and most appropriate help to people first time.”