’60-hour wait’ for man rushed to Greater Manchester A&E in ambulance

Greater Manchester: It’s been a tough time for A&E departments lately. They’re dealing with extreme overcrowding, and some patients are waiting over 60 hours for a bed. Can you believe that?

One guy, Dean Jennings, was taken to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary after collapsing at home. He ended up stuck in A&E for days, finally getting moved to a proper ward on Tuesday. He was battling pneumonia and is still in the hospital.

Dean shared how chaotic it was. He said, “They were doing my blood transfusions in the corridor.” His girlfriend, Debbie, was right there with him, barely getting any sleep. She was not happy with how things were handled.

It’s not just Dean. Another patient mentioned being warned about 50-plus hour waits. He went to A&E and had to wait ages just to see a doctor. It’s packed, and people are even fighting for seats!

Sarah Brennan, the Chief Operating Officer for the local NHS trust, explained that winter always brings a surge in illnesses like flu and respiratory infections. They’re doing their best to manage the situation, but it’s tough.

She reassured everyone that patient safety is their top priority. They’re asking folks to only use A&E for serious issues and to consider other options for less urgent needs.

With flu cases skyrocketing, many hospitals are declaring critical incidents. The number of patients with flu is way up compared to last year, and it’s causing a real strain on resources.

Colin Scales from NHS Greater Manchester acknowledged the long waits and the stress it causes. He emphasized that they’re working hard to improve things and ensure patients get the care they need.

It’s a challenging time for everyone involved, and they’re grateful for the public’s understanding. They really want to make sure that those who need urgent care can get it as quickly as possible.