A COUNCIL leader has reminded residents “loved ones are dying” as hospital patients were left waiting after arriving at emergency departments due to intensifying pandemic pressures.

Last week more than 100 patients arriving at A&E departments run by the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust experienced waiting times in excess of 30 minutes.

National guidance says patients arriving at an emergency department by ambulance must be handed over to A&E staff within 15 minutes.

But between December 21 and 27, 84 of the 1,102 patients admitted to hospitals run by the trust had to wait between 30 and 60 minutes to be seen.

A further 20 patients arriving by ambulance during that period were forced to wait even longer, while 11 Christmas Day patients were unable to be admitted to A&E within the advised 15 minute timeframe.

Gazette:

The figures for the trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, come just days after a major incident was declared across Essex.

The number of patients in Essex being treated for Covid-19 has exceeded those seen at the peak of the first wave.

Colchester Council leader, Mark Cory, said: “NHS staff are doing an amazing job.

“After spending very long hours at the coalface during the first wave, and getting little respite before the second wave, they are now facing the highest number of patients since the pandemic began.

“No matter what some people say, this is real. Our neighbours, friends and loved ones are dying.”

County Hall bosses are hoping to receive additional support from the Government to help hospitals cope with rising admissions.

Gazette:

But Mr Cory also wants the public to take responsibility.

“Partner authorities are working across Essex and Colchester to support the NHS at its most difficult time in history,” he added.

“As they continue to renew their efforts we must too - just because the vaccine is coming please do not get complacent.

“For months yet we must keep to the guidance and stop the spread of this even more infectious Covid variant.

“I wish the Government had done better, but it’s down to us to do the right thing to protect ourselves and others.

“We have the chance to make this a better year, let’s do it together, it’s in our hands.”