UPDATE: A shocking **26 ambulances** were seen waiting outside the **Queen’s Medical Centre** in Nottingham, highlighting severe delays in patient admissions. Health leaders have labeled the situation as “unacceptable,” raising urgent concerns about the state of the NHS just as winter approaches.
On **October 28, 2023**, around **5 PM**, dozens of vehicles from the **East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS)** were unable to respond to emergency calls, leaving patients stranded outside the A&E department. This backlog reflects broader systemic pressures within the NHS that are leaving both staff and patients dangerously overstretched.
Witnesses report harrowing scenes, including a woman whose husband waited more than **24 hours** in an A&E bay before being admitted to a ward. The couple’s ordeal included a diagnosis of **pneumonia**, with the patient prioritised due to critical low oxygen levels. “Spending that long in A&E is really sad,” she stated, describing patients lying on the floor due to a lack of seating.
Dave Limer, regional organiser for **Unison**, expressed frustration over the delays, stating, “Paramedics and ambulance crews want to be out saving lives, not waiting for hours in hospital car parks.” He emphasized that these delays illustrate an NHS already in crisis before winter even begins.
Greg Cox, divisional director for Nottinghamshire at EMAS, confirmed that they are grappling with “significant pressures” caused by unacceptable patient handover delays. “Handover delays are not an ambulance and hospital issue—they are a symptom of wider pressures across the NHS and social care systems,” he stated.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Tasso Gazis, divisional director for medicine at **Nottingham University Hospitals**, acknowledged rising demand and assured the public that plans are in place to address these challenges while prioritizing patient safety. He urged eligible individuals to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to alleviate strain on healthcare services.
As the situation develops, health officials stress the importance of using NHS services wisely. “999 should be used for life-threatening emergencies,” Cox advised, encouraging people to consider alternatives like **NHS 111**, pharmacies, and urgent treatment centres for less critical health needs.
The mounting backlog of ambulances outside A&E serves as a stark warning that the NHS is facing unprecedented challenges that could escalate as winter approaches. Authorities are under immense pressure to resolve these issues quickly to avoid further jeopardizing patient care.
**What’s Next?** Watch for updates from health officials as they work to alleviate the current crisis and respond to the increasing demands on healthcare services. The public is urged to remain vigilant as the winter months could bring additional challenges for the NHS.
