The latest figures show that over half a million patients faced delays of 12 hours or more in 2024—a 400-fold increase since 2015.
Helen Morgan MP, the Liberal Democrats’ Health and Social Care spokesperson, described the situation as “nothing short of a national emergency.” She demanded Health Secretary Wes Streeting introduce an emergency action plan to tackle what the party calls “shocking and dangerous” waiting times in A&E.
A&E Delays and Bed Occupancy at Critical Levels
Last year, a total of 518,000 patients had to endure waits of 12 hours or more from the time a decision was made to admit them—up from just 1,306 in 2015. According to the most recent NHS data, in December 2024, 54,000 patients faced 12-hour waits in A&E—a 23% increase compared to the same month in 2019, when only 2,356 patients experienced similar delays.
In response, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a “pandemic-style emergency recruitment campaign” to address the growing pressure on A&E departments, which they warn is putting patients’ health in danger. “Long waits in A&E are not just inconvenient—they are dangerous,” Morgan said. “Every minute a patient spends on a trolley is a risk to their health. The government must act immediately to ensure patients.”
Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) data shows that bed occupancy is currently at 93%. The safe threshold is 85%. The RCEM has previously warned that prolonged delays in emergency care are linked to an increase in preventable deaths, with estimates suggesting that around 14,000 deaths in 2023 could be associated with extended A&E waits.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for an increase of at least 9,471 beds to bring occupancy levels down to safer levels and alleviate pressure on A&E departments. They are urging Wes Streeting and the new government to prioritise healthcare reform and respond with a comprehensive emergency plan to safeguard the NHS from collapse.
Criticism of Government’s Handling of NHS Crisis during PMQs
In the first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) of the year, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey highlighted the backlog in care services, especially for the elderly and disabled. “Over 12,000 patients are currently trapped in hospital beds due to a lack of social care,” he said. Davey called on Labour leader Keir Starmer to act urgently to address the issue, arguing that this “needn’t take three years” and that 2025 “must be the year we tackle the social care crisis.”
In response, Keir Starmer pointed to the government’s commitment to investing £3.7 billion in social care as part of the most recent budget. He also announced additional funding to help over 7,000 elderly and disabled individuals live more independently, alongside an increase in carers’ allowance. “We are committed to reform, and we are acting now,” Starmer assured.
Labour’s NHS Strategy
Labour has announced a new deal between NHS England and independent sector to tackle waiting lists by increasing capacity and giving patients greater choice. It aims to improve services, enhance patient choice, and reduce delays for treatments like scans and operations. Key elements include aligning digital systems across NHS and private providers to allow easier access to appointments and test results via the NHS App. The plan also includes improving long waits in specialist areas of treatment such as gynaecology, orthopaedics…
The government has committed to providing an additional 2 million appointments and procedures in the first year of its reform plan. Under the new agreement, patients will also have more options when it comes to where they receive care, with tests and procedures funded by the NHS but delivered by independent providers.
Wes Streeting has ensured to deliver on their “Plan for Change” manifesto to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks. He pointed out that the waiting lists have begun to fall. “I’m not going to allow working people to wait longer than is necessary, when we can get them treated sooner in a private hospital, paid for by the NHS. If the wealthy can be treated on time, then so should NHS patients.”
David Hare, CEO of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said that this agreement is “a critical part of the NHS’s long-term recovery and renewal.” He emphasised that the plan would not only give patients more choice over their care providers but would also support independent providers in expanding their services to help meet the increased demand. “This will be delivered free at the point of use and paid for at NHS prices.”
However, Lib Dems have condemned the previous and current government’s handling of the NHS crisis, arguing that patients’ lives are being put at risk. “After years of Conservative mismanagement, our emergency services are now facing collapse,” said Morgan. “Patients are suffering, NHS staff are stretched beyond breaking point, and the new government looks to be asleep at the wheel.”
As the NHS continues to battle immense pressure with resources stretched to their limit, NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard is optimistic about this new agreement. “But we are under no illusions,” she said, pressing the government to go “further and faster” to get the waiting list down to levels last seen in 2015.
It remains to be seen whether the current government can meet the growing demands for healthcare reform and stem the tide of increasing delays and avoidable deaths.