Menu
08/08/2005
A&E departments warned on pain relief delays
Some accident and emergency departments are not providing patients with pain relief quickly enough, a report from the healthcare watchdog has warned.
A study of 170 A&E departments in England by the Healthcare Commission found that only 53% of units provided children, who were suffering moderate or severe pain from fractures, pain relief within an hour of arrival.
The study also found that only 42% of units provided pain relief within an hour for older patients suffering from hip fractures.
According to guidance from the British Association for Emergency Medicine, which represents A&E consultants, pain relief should be provided within 20 minutes of arrival for patients in severe pain.
However, the report found that hospitals were successfully tackling waiting times, with 98% of patients visiting A&E departments being seen within four hours.
71% of patients also rated the care received in A&E departments as excellent or good.
Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker said that hospitals now had to concentrate on tackling variations in the quality of care. She said: “A&E departments now have to go the extra mile if they are to deliver the care that patients need and that means focusing on quality as well as waiting.”
Responding to the report, Health Minister Lord Warner said: "A&E services have been making excellent progress over the last two years, and we are pleased that this report reflects this. Our A&E management data shows week-in-week-out since March the NHS has seen 98% of patients within four hours.
"Not only is the NHS improving access, but it is working hard to deliver consistently high standards of clinical care in A&E. The four-hour target is helping to raise clinical standards and we are developing new measures for the quality of care patients receive. These new benchmarks will be used to secure even more improvements and greater consistency across the NHS."
(KMcA/SP)
A study of 170 A&E departments in England by the Healthcare Commission found that only 53% of units provided children, who were suffering moderate or severe pain from fractures, pain relief within an hour of arrival.
The study also found that only 42% of units provided pain relief within an hour for older patients suffering from hip fractures.
According to guidance from the British Association for Emergency Medicine, which represents A&E consultants, pain relief should be provided within 20 minutes of arrival for patients in severe pain.
However, the report found that hospitals were successfully tackling waiting times, with 98% of patients visiting A&E departments being seen within four hours.
71% of patients also rated the care received in A&E departments as excellent or good.
Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker said that hospitals now had to concentrate on tackling variations in the quality of care. She said: “A&E departments now have to go the extra mile if they are to deliver the care that patients need and that means focusing on quality as well as waiting.”
Responding to the report, Health Minister Lord Warner said: "A&E services have been making excellent progress over the last two years, and we are pleased that this report reflects this. Our A&E management data shows week-in-week-out since March the NHS has seen 98% of patients within four hours.
"Not only is the NHS improving access, but it is working hard to deliver consistently high standards of clinical care in A&E. The four-hour target is helping to raise clinical standards and we are developing new measures for the quality of care patients receive. These new benchmarks will be used to secure even more improvements and greater consistency across the NHS."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
15 May 2014
Hospitals Leave Patients To 'Die In Pain'
A new audit on the provision of care for people dying in hospitals has found significant variations in care across hospitals in England.
Hospitals Leave Patients To 'Die In Pain'
A new audit on the provision of care for people dying in hospitals has found significant variations in care across hospitals in England.
27 May 2009
NHS Recommends Acupuncture For Patients With Chronic Back Pain
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended, for the first time, complementary therapies to treat chronic back pain on the NHS.
NHS Recommends Acupuncture For Patients With Chronic Back Pain
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended, for the first time, complementary therapies to treat chronic back pain on the NHS.
16 April 2004
'Inadequacies' leave arthritis patients in pain, says survey
Major inadequacies in the management of pain resulting from arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems are causing unnecessary pain to thousands of patients across Europe, according to research published today.
'Inadequacies' leave arthritis patients in pain, says survey
Major inadequacies in the management of pain resulting from arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems are causing unnecessary pain to thousands of patients across Europe, according to research published today.
14 August 2014
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
