NHS Faces Mounting Pressure as Emergency Department Wait Times Soar
Published 3 December 2025
Highlights
- Patients at Craigavon Area Hospital faced an average 19-hour wait in the emergency department, highlighting severe NHS pressures.
- The number of patients leaving A&E without treatment in England has tripled over six years, with over 320,000 departures between July and September 2025.
- Rising flu cases, particularly among young children, are exacerbating hospital overcrowding and increasing wait times.
- NHS staff are demoralized due to overwhelming demand and insufficient resources, impacting retention and patient care.
- The reliance on private healthcare is limited by economic factors, further straining NHS resources.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: NHS Faces Mounting Pressure as Emergency Department Wait Times Soar
The NHS is grappling with unprecedented challenges as emergency department (ED) wait times reach alarming levels, and the number of patients leaving without treatment continues to rise. At Craigavon Area Hospital, patients faced an average wait of nearly 19 hours in the ED on a recent Wednesday morning, according to Dr. Gareth Hampton, divisional medical director at the Southern Trust. This situation is mirrored at other hospitals, with the Royal Victoria and Ulster hospitals reporting nine-hour waits.
Overwhelmed Emergency Departments
The surge in wait times is compounded by a significant increase in flu cases, particularly among children aged 0-4, as reported by the Public Health Agency. Dr. Peter Naughton noted that flu cases have doubled in recent weeks, with 250 hospitalizations last week alone. This seasonal spike in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals.
Rising Patient Departures
In England, the number of patients leaving A&E without receiving treatment has tripled over the past six years. Between July and September 2025, over 320,000 individuals departed untreated, driven by frustration over long waits. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) attributes this trend to a "broken system" where inadequate primary and community care forces patients to seek emergency services.
Staff Morale and Retention Challenges
The pressure on NHS staff is immense, with many feeling demoralized and overworked. Dr. Michael Perry, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, expressed concern over staff retention, as the challenging environment prompts some to leave the profession. The lack of resources and support is pushing healthcare workers to their limits, impacting patient care and safety.
Economic Factors and Private Healthcare
Economic constraints are also affecting the healthcare landscape. While NHS-funded care in private hospitals reached £2.2 billion in 2024, the growth in private healthcare usage remains minimal. Tim Read of LaingBuisson highlighted that economic concerns are leading more people to rely on the NHS, further exacerbating the strain on public services.
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Scenario Analysis
The current state of the NHS suggests a need for urgent intervention to address systemic issues. Without significant investment in primary and community care, the pressure on emergency departments is unlikely to abate. Experts warn that continued staff demoralization could lead to a workforce crisis, further compromising patient care. Additionally, economic factors may drive more patients to rely on the NHS, intensifying the demand for already stretched resources. Policymakers must consider comprehensive strategies to alleviate these pressures and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
The NHS is grappling with unprecedented challenges as emergency department (ED) wait times reach alarming levels, and the number of patients leaving without treatment continues to rise. At Craigavon Area Hospital, patients faced an average wait of nearly 19 hours in the ED on a recent Wednesday morning, according to Dr. Gareth Hampton, divisional medical director at the Southern Trust. This situation is mirrored at other hospitals, with the Royal Victoria and Ulster hospitals reporting nine-hour waits.
Overwhelmed Emergency Departments
The surge in wait times is compounded by a significant increase in flu cases, particularly among children aged 0-4, as reported by the Public Health Agency. Dr. Peter Naughton noted that flu cases have doubled in recent weeks, with 250 hospitalizations last week alone. This seasonal spike in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals.
Rising Patient Departures
In England, the number of patients leaving A&E without receiving treatment has tripled over the past six years. Between July and September 2025, over 320,000 individuals departed untreated, driven by frustration over long waits. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) attributes this trend to a "broken system" where inadequate primary and community care forces patients to seek emergency services.
Staff Morale and Retention Challenges
The pressure on NHS staff is immense, with many feeling demoralized and overworked. Dr. Michael Perry, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, expressed concern over staff retention, as the challenging environment prompts some to leave the profession. The lack of resources and support is pushing healthcare workers to their limits, impacting patient care and safety.
Economic Factors and Private Healthcare
Economic constraints are also affecting the healthcare landscape. While NHS-funded care in private hospitals reached £2.2 billion in 2024, the growth in private healthcare usage remains minimal. Tim Read of LaingBuisson highlighted that economic concerns are leading more people to rely on the NHS, further exacerbating the strain on public services.
What this might mean
The current state of the NHS suggests a need for urgent intervention to address systemic issues. Without significant investment in primary and community care, the pressure on emergency departments is unlikely to abate. Experts warn that continued staff demoralization could lead to a workforce crisis, further compromising patient care. Additionally, economic factors may drive more patients to rely on the NHS, intensifying the demand for already stretched resources. Policymakers must consider comprehensive strategies to alleviate these pressures and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
