Shock News as A&E Doctors Approve New Government Targets and say they are Clinically Relevant

The College of Emergency Medicine (CEM) welcomes the announcement by the Secretary of State that the 4-hour emergency access standard is to be changed from 98% to 95%. Doctors believe that this now represents a level that will allow focus on an improved quality of care and clinical safety for patients while preserving all the positive benefits that an increased spotlight on emergency care, delivers in Emergency Departments.

Dr John Heyworth, President of the College of Emergency Medicine said "The CEM welcomes the Secretary of State's announcement, which is in line with the College's long held view that the 98% standard should be reconfigured. We look forward to working with the DH to develop more appropriate, clinically relevant, quality and outcome measures that build on the improvements already achieved in our Emergency Departments and further enhance patient care."