NHS memo reveals two patients died after waiting for A&E care

Deaths in Redhill and Margate occurred after patients had to wait because A&E was too busy

Two patients have died this month after having to wait in hospital corridors with paramedics because staff in A&E units were too busy to care for them, the Guardian can reveal.

The deaths have come to light in a memo, seen by the Guardian, that the South East Coast ambulance service (Secamb) sent to its crews last week. Its personnel looked after both patients before they collapsed.

The memo was sent last Tuesday, 22 January. It says: “In the last week we have had two incidents where patients have died in hospital corridors.” Full details have not yet emerged, but it is known that the deaths occurred in the week beginning 14 January at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital in Margate, Kent, and East Surrey hospital in Redhill.

 

Full story on the Guardian, 29 January 2019