What we're doing

This report will summarise findings from our local work at NHS bodies which has examined how the demand for urgent and emergency care is being managed. It will also examine the impact delayed discharges are having on patient flow within hospitals and on A&E departments, ambulance handovers and response times.

Why we're doing it

All parts of the urgent and emergency care system are facing pressures from high levels of demand. For limited resources to be used as effectively as possible, patients need to be directed to services that best meet their urgent and emergency care needs.  Significant amounts of NHS resources are also absorbed by caring for hospital patients who are medically fit for discharge. Patient flow problems related to delayed discharges will have knock on effects on other parts of the system including access to urgent and emergency care with associated risks for the quality and safety of services.

Our work will look at the extent to which these significant pressures are being managed and what further action may be needed to ensure patients receive urgent and emergency care which is safe and appropriate to their needs.

When we'll report

Autumn 2025