Two-tier A&E as 100 units cut care
I instinctively fear this is bad news for rural A&E needs – am I being too pessimistic?
At least 100 accident and emergency units will offer reduced levels of service and patients will have to travel further for expert treatment under the biggest shake-up of NHS casualty departments in 40 years.
A new two-tier system of A&E departments is the only way to keep a safe health service which is free at the point of use, officials claim.
Under the system up to 70 of England’s 170 casualty units will be designated as “major emergency centres” which treat the most serious conditions and injuries. The remainder will deal only with less serious injuries.
The plan will also attempt to ease the burden on A&E by keeping patients who do not need emergency treatment away from hospitals.
The reorganisation comes amid fears that this winter will put unprecedented strain on England’s A&E units.