A CONSULTANT at Coventry’s University Hospital was among those who warned Theresa May patients were dying in hospital corridors because the NHS was so short-staffed and under-funded.
A&E consultant Ed Hartley was among some 60 doctors who signed the letter telling the Prime Minister about ‘serious concerns for patient safety’.
The letter was signed by consultants representing the hospitals they work at.
The hospital on Clifford Bridge Road has seen high numbers of patients since Christmas Eve, with some operations even cancelled to allow consultants to work in the busy A&E department.
The letter from consultants to Mrs May read: “We feel compelled to speak out in support of our hardworking and dedicated nursing, medical and allied head professional colleagues and for the very serious concerns we have for the safety of our patients.
“This current level of safety compromise is at times intolerable, despite the best efforts of staff.”
Doctors urged the Prime Minister to ‘significantly’ increase social care funding so patients could be discharged to be cared for in the community.
They also want more beds made available and an increase in the number of doctors and nurses.
The letter continued: “We would like to apologise to our patients for being unable to fulfil our pledge for a safe and efficient service and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff.”
But a spokeswoman from the Department of Health and Social Care said improvements had been made.
She said: “There has been a 68.7 per cent increase in the number of A&E consultants since 2010, and the NHS was given top priority in the recent budget with an extra £2.8billion allocated over the next two years.
“But we know there is a great deal of pressure in A&E departments, and we are grateful to all NHS staff for their incredible work in challenging circumstances. That’s why we recently announced the largest single increase in doctor training places in the history of the NHS – a 25 per cent expansion.”
