NHS Confederation responds to Liberal Democrats plan on ambulance handovers and corridor care

Responding to the Liberal Democrats' plan on ambulance handover delays and corridor care, Rory Deighton, director of the NHS Confederation’s acute network said: 

"Ambulance handover delays are a significant challenge for the whole healthcare sector, and part of a wider crisis in emergency care that has been growing for nearly 10 years. The crisis is characterised by long waits for patients, and temporary solutions like corridor care that are far below the standards NHS leaders and staff want to offer patients.

“The Liberal Democrats are right to highlight the link between hospital pressures and poor social care provision and it is encouraging to see that connection in these plans, especially where they relate to delays for patients who are ready to leave hospital. Investment in social care to support people at home and avoid having to go to hospital in the first place should form a key part of any future emergency care strategy. 

 “It is also welcome to see a recognition of the need for extra capital investment.  However, as we have outlined in the NHS Confederation manifesto to a new government, capital funding must increase to at least £14.1 billion annually, a £6.4 billion rise from the current level of £7.7 billion. This is vital if we are to further ramp up productivity and drive down waiting lists.”