Long A&E Waits in Somerset Hit Nearly 13,000 Mark

Nearly 13,000 patients in Somerset endured waits of 12 hours or more in A&E, new figures from NHS England reveal.

The alarming statistics show that in October, 12,915 people (3.9% of all A&E visitors) were left waiting more than 12 hours to be admitted, transferred, or discharged.

Long delays like these are not just inconvenient – they are dangerous. The Royal College of Medicine has warned that such waits can increase the risk of harm and death for patients, even after they leave the emergency department.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding urgent action to save local health services. They are calling for the Chancellor’s National Insurance hike to be scrapped for GPs, care homes, and other healthcare providers to help ease the pressure on hospitals and ambulance services.

Reacting to the figures, Liberal Democrat Adam Dance MP said:

“I’m shocked by the number of patients facing life-threatening delays in Somerset’s A&Es. Quick care can save lives – yet too many people are waiting far too long. The Conservatives have left our NHS in tatters, with emergency services on the brink. The new Government must act now with a rescue plan to address this crisis, starting with removing the NI tax hike on GPs, care homes, and health providers before things get worse.”