More than a million seniors in the UK are facing waits exceeding 12 hours in emergency departments, often having to wait on trolleys in conditions described as “deterioration and dehumanization.”
The number of individuals over 60 who are waiting over 12 hours for transfer, hospitalization, or discharge rose significantly from 991,068 in 2024, compared to 305,619 in 2019.
Reports from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) reveal that the chance of experiencing a 12-hour wait grows with age. Those in the 60-69 age group have a 15% likelihood, while those over 90 see that likelihood jump to 33%.
“Our healthcare system has failed to support our most vulnerable patients, over 1 million last year,” said Dr. Adrian Boyle, president of RCEM. “These individuals are often our parents or grandparents.”
“They face extended stays in emergency departments, experiencing degradation and inhumane corridor care, which compromises their level of care. This presents a serious risk to patient safety. Extended waits are particularly hazardous for the elderly and can endanger lives.”
In addition to the lengthy waits, the RCEM report indicated that many older patients miss critical assessments in A&E. For instance, only 16% of patients aged 75 and above were screened for delirium, a reversible condition linked to higher mortality rates. Less than half (48%) were screened for fall risks.
Dr. Nick March, president of the Acute Medicine Association, remarked: “It’s alarming to see over a million elderly patients stuck in the emergency department for more than 12 hours.”
“Even with the exceptional dedication from various teams, including emergency and acute medicine, these prolonged waits highlight systemic failures in our healthcare framework.
“We need to ensure that 12-hour waits become an exception instead of the norm.”
The RCEM has proposed several changes, such as implementing “facial frail screening” across all A&Es, similar to programs already operating in Scotland.
Boyle emphasized that the core issue lies within the system, which will continue to adversely affect older individuals unless the government prioritizes A&E as a political issue.
A representative from the Ministry of Health’s Social Care stated: “It’s unacceptable for seniors to wait up to 12 hours in A&E. The government has allocated £26 billion to the NHS over the next two years to address this issue and aims to reduce waiting times significantly.”
“With a ten-year health strategy in place, we’re committed to ensuring that patients, particularly seniors, are promptly attended to in A&E, working towards shorter waiting times and increased access to GP appointments.”
