Peter Walker

I have just finished another set of incredibly difficult weekend nights as the A&E consultant incharge. Some thoughts: The NHS no longer provides unscheduled care - we provide treatment. Care is with dignity - that's impossible for our patients in corridors. The model of acute care is not working or sustainable. We need a completely different approach - with long term investment in prevention and community care 111 need to change risk thresholds as far too many come to a&e when they don't need to. There needs to be alternative pathways to get care overnight for those who don't have accidents or emergencies. A&E shouldn't be anything and everything Staff are broke - supporting staff is just as vital as looking after patients This government have totally decimated our the NHS. They are the ones who should be apologising to our patients not our staff. Hundreds are dying each week because of lack of hospital capacity and corridor care in a&e, yet it's not on the news and no public uproar. As staff and patients we have accepted the unacceptable. Everyone needs to know the reality of what is happening - so that politicians offer a different solution and patients get the care they deserve. Sadly most of the public have no idea of what is genuinely going on. And finally, a post night fry up is the best antidote for the stresses of the weekend. Goodnight! – at England, United Kingdom