Patients clogging A&E with hiccups, sore throats and other niggles

BBC NewsThursday, December 4, 2025 at 1:34:07 AM
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Patients clogging A&E with hiccups, sore throats and other niggles
  • NHS officials have raised concerns over the increasing number of patients visiting Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments for minor ailments such as hiccups and sore throats, urging the public to utilize hospital services more judiciously as winter approaches. This trend could exacerbate existing pressures on the healthcare system during a potentially challenging season.
  • The surge in non-critical cases at A&E highlights the urgent need for public awareness regarding appropriate healthcare usage, especially as the NHS braces for a tough winter characterized by rising illness rates and increased demand for emergency services.
  • This situation is compounded by a reported 20% increase in ambulance calls due to a worsening flu season, indicating a broader strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, the NHS's recent mandate for online GP appointment bookings has faced criticism from medical professionals, reflecting ongoing tensions within the healthcare sector regarding service delivery and patient management.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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