More than 1,300 deaths a month in England due to long A&E waits, figures suggest

More than 1,300 patients a month in England are dying unnecessarily due to prolonged waits in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments, representing a tenfold increase over the past decade. Analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine indicates that in 2025, over 300 deaths were linked to long A&E waits each week, a stark contrast to the approximately 30 deaths per week recorded in 2015. This alarming trend has prompted senior medical staff to call for urgent solutions addressing the root causes of these excess deaths.

The figures suggest a significant deterioration in emergency care capacity and patient flow within the National Health Service (NHS). The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has highlighted that these deaths are not solely attributable to the time spent waiting in A&E itself, but also to delays in being admitted to a hospital bed once a decision to admit has been made. This "access block" is a critical component of the problem, leading to overcrowding in A&E and prolonged stays for patients who require inpatient care.

Experts point to a confluence of factors contributing to this crisis, including insufficient hospital bed capacity, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and increasing demand on services. The sustained pressure on A&E departments, exacerbated by seasonal pressures like winter flu outbreaks, means that the system is frequently operating beyond its limits. The implications of these prolonged waits extend beyond mortality rates, impacting patient experience, the severity of conditions upon admission, and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

Senior medical figures are emphasizing the need for systemic changes rather than short-term fixes. This includes investing in hospital infrastructure, increasing the healthcare workforce through better recruitment and retention strategies, and improving the integration of health and social care services to facilitate timely discharge. The call for action underscores the critical state of emergency care in England and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these preventable deaths and restore the effectiveness of the NHS.