The Accident & Emergency (A&E) department at Bath Royal United Hospitals (RUH) is facing what local MP Wera Hobhouse describes as a “permacrisis,” as emergency admissions soar dramatically. New data reveals that A&E attendances at RUH reached 17,521 over June and July 2024, a sharp increase from 11,812 during the same period in 2015.
Alarmingly, there were 76 cases of patients waiting 12 hours or longer to be admitted in June and July this year. In contrast, no such prolonged waits—commonly known as ‘trolley waits’—were recorded in 2015. These extended waits pose serious health risks; the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has linked long A&E waits to approximately 16,600 deaths nationwide in 2024.
MP Hobhouse, representing Bath as a Liberal Democrat, expressed deep concern about the crisis. “Our local health services have descended into a continuous state of emergency. The pressures that were once seasonal now persist year-round, leaving patients and their families to suffer the consequences,” she said.
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She further criticized government inaction, stating, “Neglect by the Conservative party has brought us to this point, but the current Labour government must not ignore the warning signs. Without swift intervention, we could be heading toward a health disaster this winter. An emergency package is needed immediately to shield patients from these desperate conditions.”
Hobhouse called for specific measures including boosting vaccine uptake for seasonal illnesses, increasing pharmacy access, and expanding out-of-hours GP services to alleviate pressure on emergency care. “Failing to act risks many more people enduring terrible agony in Bath, unable to receive the urgent care they need.”
Residents are reminded that seasonal flu vaccines are typically available for purchase at local pharmacies. Certain groups qualify for free NHS flu vaccinations, including pregnant women, carers, those aged 65 and older, care home residents, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions like obesity and diabetes. Employers may also offer flu jab vouchers, so employees should inquire about availability.