Numbers leaving A&E without treatment triples in six years

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Anna BawdenDecember 3, 2025 at 01:01 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A new analysis by the Royal College of Nursing reveals a significant increase in patients leaving A&E departments in England without treatment. Between July and September 2025, over 320,000 individuals left, a threefold rise compared to the same period in 2019, when the number was just under 100,000. The increase is attributed to soaring demand, long waiting times, and a lack of adequate primary and community care. The analysis also found a ninety-fold increase in patients waiting over 12 hours. A separate report suggests that fewer people are opting for private healthcare due to economic pressures, potentially increasing strain on the NHS.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United Kingdom 40% LaingBuisson ×250% Nicola Ranger 60% NHS ×370% Royal College of Nursing ×280%

Keywords

a&e 90% untreated patients 90% nhs 80% emergency departments 70% waiting times 70% healthcare access 60% hospital care 60% private healthcare 50% primary care 50%