Overcrowding in hospitals ‘is putting patients at risk’

 
Joseph Watts9 April 2013

Health experts today warn that patient care in London’s hospitals could be at risk because of overcrowding, with a handful likely to experience “real difficulties”.

The warning came after figures revealed an increasing number of hospitals were operating with bed occupancy rates over 85 per cent, above which experts agree it becomes harder to maintain standards of care.

In the last quarter of 2010/11, 23 of the 35 London hospital trusts had occupancy rates over 85 per cent, but by the same period in 2012/13, 25 exceeded 85 per cent, and half had rising occupancy rates.

However, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust was 99.6 per cent full and Camden and Islington Foundation Trust was 96.3 per cent full in the third quarter of 2012/13. Barking, Havering and Redbridge, West London Mental Health Trust and the King’s College Hospital were all over 95 per cent full.

Critics said the problem was exacerbated by the loss of 578 London hospital beds over the past two years. Gareth Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, who obtained the figures, said: “This is yet more proof of the pressure the NHS is under in London.”

Roger Taylor, director of research and public affairs at healthcare organisation Dr Foster, said: “The 85 per cent mark has been widely adopted as a benchmark. Most people agree that once you start getting above 95 per cent then you will have real difficulties.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: “The number of beds a hospital is not fixed and is often raised during busy periods.”

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