Why have ambulance waiting times been getting worse?

https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/why-have-ambulance-waiting-times-been-getting-worse

⏱️ 10min read

Summary

Paramedics no. has increased by 13%, but sickness absence has increased to 9%,

yet capacity has been most reduced because *ambulances are waiting longer with patients outside hospitals.

In July 2022, > 1 in 10 🚑 waited > an hour

In 2019: only ~1 in 50 🚑 waited this long

🛌🏻 Hospitals are struggling most with "flow" - fewer beds for population & struggling with social care discharges as not enough social care investment

😣 Community services & Mental health services need better investment - not just for specific healthcare workforce, but for wider population iot avoid delay & deterioration & 999 crisis