Lack of prompt access to primary care blamed for rise in hospital cases of minor ailments including blocked noses
Millions of people are turning to A&E departments in England for minor ailments including coughs, blocked noses and hiccups, according to data that health leaders say lays bare a failure to give patients prompt access to primary care.
Emergency wards are designed for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies only. But many are becoming swamped with patients whose health concerns should be dealt with elsewhere, including a near tenfold increase in people seeking help for a cough.
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Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/31/coughs-hiccups-accident-and-emergency-hospitals-nhs-england
Author : Andrew Gregory Health editor
Publish date : 2025-12-31 00:01:00
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