One in 20 ambulance workers have watched patients they are caring for die because NHS delays meant they cannot hand them over to hospitals quickly enough, according to new research.
Union Unison made the shocking discovery when it surveyed almost 600 ambulance staff across the UK.
In a report published ahead of Unison’s annual health conference, which begins in Liverpool tomorrow, the union said two thirds of respondents believed patients’ health deteriorated during long waits.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: ‘Ambulance workers want the best for their patients.
‘That means reaching them quickly, delivering immediate care and taking them to A&E for further treatment where necessary.
‘But this is no longer the reality.’
The survey also found that around one in seven ambulance workers said they have waited outside emergency departments for 12 hours or more, while more than half have experienced delays of six hours plus.
Ms McAnea spoke weeks after it emerged that NHS hospitals were running out of beds.
‘Ambulances and hospital corridors have become makeshift treatment rooms, forcing staff to care for patients for hours on end,’ Ms McAnea said.
‘The pressure on the NHS is unsustainable.
‘Immediate action is crucial to address growing demand and ensure patients receive the timely care they need and deserve.’
The findings were published as Unison called for measures including an increase in staffing across ambulance, hospital and community services, making GP appointments more readily available and improving social care capacity in communities.
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