UNISON has stated that rising concerns over the number of visits to A&E and pressure on ambulance services need to be dealt with ‘head-on by the Government as a cold snap could see them reaching breaking point’.
The union has blamed the Government’s austerity agenda and cuts in services for adding to the pressure on emergency services. Vital support for those suffering from mental health problems, homelessness or drug and alcohol abuse are being cut in the community leading people to seek help from A&E as a last resort.
Christina McAnea, UNISON head of health, said: “The Government needs to face the fact that its austerity agenda is having a vicious knock-on effect on the NHS. When services are cut in the community for those suffering from homelessness, mental health problems or chronic drug and alcohol addiction, that leaves a gap that the NHS is being expected to fill. The Government needs to deal with these problems head-on as a cold snap could see emergency services reaching breaking point.”
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