NHS told to put patient safety first

NHS leaders have been ordered to “prioritise patient safety” ahead of a key Accident and Emergency target, as hospital beds in England near full capacity.

Hospital bosses have been told to focus on patients with the greatest need above trying to meet key targets in emergency departments.

Government officials have said there is a “critical” situation in emergency care, as health leaders came together yesterday to discuss how to cope with the surge of demand over winter.

There is a national target for 95% of people who go to A&E to be admitted, transferred or sent home within four hours, but concerns have been raised that the target can lead to medics seeing patients who they can get through quickly as a priority.