Sep 7, 2024, 9:30 PM
Sep 7, 2024, 6:00 PM

Children"s health crisis in England: 100,000 infants wait in A&E

Tragic
Provocative
Highlights
  • Lord Darzi's report reveals over 100,000 infants waited more than six hours in A&E last year.
  • The report highlights a significant rise in waiting times and mental health support needs among children.
  • Political leaders emphasize the urgent need for reform to address the crisis in children's health services.
Story

A report by Lord Darzi highlights a severe crisis in children's health in England, revealing that over 100,000 infants under two years old faced extended waits in A&E departments last year. The report indicates a troubling 60% increase in waiting times for this age group over the past 15 years, with a staggering 800,000 children and young people on NHS waiting lists for hospital treatment. Among these, 175,000 are waiting between six and 12 months, while 35,000 have been waiting for over a year. The report also sheds light on the mental health crisis, with nearly 500,000 children and young people on waiting lists for mental health support, and 160,000 of them waiting for more than 12 months. Sir Keir Starmer has attributed the current state of the NHS to previous government policies, particularly the reforms initiated in 2010, which he claims have led to a deterioration in service quality. In response to the findings, health professionals have expressed concern over the inadequacy of patient care, emphasizing that a chronically understaffed NHS cannot meet the needs of the population. The Royal College of Nursing has called for urgent action to address these issues, highlighting the necessity for a well-resourced health service. The political discourse surrounding the NHS has intensified, with accusations of politicization from both sides. Starmer insists on the need for reform and renewal of the NHS to ensure better health outcomes for future generations, while the opposition criticizes Labour for failing to provide concrete solutions after years in opposition.

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