More than 57,000 patients died last year as a result of waiting over 12 hours in A&E, damning research suggests.
The grim tally – which is equal to around 160 deaths every day – is four times greater than estimated by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) in 2023.
It comes after nurses revealed patients have died and gone unnoticed for hours after being left languishing in inhumane conditions on corridors.
The Health Foundation reached the latest figure by combining data on long waits from NHS England with a study on death rates by the Office for National Statistics.
Records show 1.77million waits of 12 hours or more in A&Es in England last year, against a four-hour target.
The ONS found 5 per cent of patients who wait 12 hours or more die within 30 days, which is more than double the rate of 2.1 per cent for those waiting less than two hours.
It suggests there were at least 57,000 deaths last year that could have been prevented if patients who waited 12 hours or more were treated sooner.
Helen Morgan, health and social care spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: ‘This new analysis is sickening.
More than 57,000 patients died last year as a result of waiting over 12 hours in A&E, damning research suggests
The grim tally – which is equal to around 160 deaths every day – is four times greater than estimated by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) in 2023
Records show 1.77million waits of 12 hours or more in A&Es in England last year, against a four-hour target
‘It lays bare the deadly consequences of a health service that has been run into the ground with patients and their loved ones often paying the ultimate price.
‘It is simply not good enough for this new government to sit on its hands any longer. We need to see immediate action to get to the bottom of these deadly delays.’
Estimates for 2023 were calculated using a less up-to-date method.
Dr Adrian Boyle, president of RCEM, said: ‘What we can categorically say is that deaths associated with long A&E waits are tragic, and ultimately avoidable.
‘This issue has to be a top priority for the Government.
‘People are dying and it is in their power to prevent it.’
