Hospitals so close to collapse NHS begs families to care for elderly instead of using A&E

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh said care needs to be taken to avert a major crisis

 

A LEADING NHS doctor has called for families to look after elderly friends and relatives in order to prevent a winter health CRISIS.

Britain’s most senior doctor has warned Accident & Emergency services may not be able to cope with all of the sick and ill people over the coming weeks.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director, said care needs to be taken to avert a major crisis as hospitals have reported a 65 per cent increase in urgent visits for people aged over 75 in the past five years.

Sir Bruce said: “My message is simple. Look after yourself and others this Christmas, don’t store up health problems.

 

Checking up on vulnerable neighbours and family could reduce the number of frail pensioners who fall

 

“It’s a sad fact that many are alone over Christmas or they return from a family celebration to a cold empty house.

"People can lose a bit of hope and stop looking after themselves.”

By checking up on vulnerable neighbours and family members Sir Bruce believes this could reduce the number of frail pensioners who fall sick.

He advised that people should ensure their elders have enough medicine throughout winter and that homes are kept sufficiently warm.

 

The elderly compose the largest group admitted to hospital in the winter

Sir Bruce revealed that last year the health service responded to the highest EVER number of A&E attendances, NHS 111 calls, ambulance calls, and emergency admissions in NHS history, with a 65 per cent increase in trips to hospital for those over 75 years.
The Royal College of Emergency has shown that A&E waits are the worst they’ve been in over 10 years.
Sir Bruce said: “Unfortunately, the elderly compose the largest group admitted to hospital in the winter.
“For the NHS, the pinch point in winter is the increase in numbers of emergency hospital stays – last winter they reached record levels”.

 

A&E waits are the worst they’ve been in over 10 years

 

He added: “Our elders are proud people, and every year thousands do not take action and are slow to seek help if they feel unwell.
“They end up getting more unwell than they otherwise would.”
In an attempt to save £178,000 for the NHS this year, the government cut the Elizabeth Care training programme to fill the desperate shortage of nurses who care for the elderly, which will end up costing the Government millions in the years ahead, as well as leaving the elderly to fend for themselves.
Last year, winter death rates were also the highest they had been in almost 15 years.