Over 16,000 people wait 30 hours or more in some A&E's in 2024
The figures were obtained by Greatest Hits Radio
Last updated 2nd Jan 2025
Figured obtained by Greatest Hits Radio found more than 16,000 people have had to wait 30 hours or longer in some A&E's across Kent this year.
In the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate and the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford - 11,000 people were left waiting in 2024. January (1355) was the worse month - with the summer seeing a drop in the amount of people waiting. However, the situation worsened as the months got colder - October (1,171) seeing the greatest spike.
While at the Medway Hospital - 5,000 people waited this year - with September (700) being their highest month and May (267) their lowest.
This person, who wanted to remain anonymous, waited 36 hours at A&E in Medway and they told us their story, they said: "I was in extreme pain, I can't remember exactly how long it was before I saw a doctor but it was at least several hours.
"In the end I was admitted but it was more the fact I couldn't get a bed and had to sleep on a trolley, which was at least a little bit more comfortable then sleeping on a chair all the time.
"It was quite cold as we were near the door in the corridor. Doors were opening all the time, people going in and out, doctors doors were slamming right next to me so the likelihood of getting any sleep was very remote.
"It was nightmare - I was getting some pain relief from the nurses who were very good but just waiting for the bed was very uncomfortable. When I finally got on that bed and sunk onto it, it was just sheer bliss, just quieter and a lot more comfortable."
In response, East Kent Hospital Trust said: “We apologise to all patients who are waiting for a long time in our emergency departments. While we do all we can to ensure all patients receive timely care, our emergency departments are experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand with winter illnesses such as flu and Covid.
“To help support our dedicated teams, we ask local communities to only use our Emergency Departments when it is an emergency and to contact NHS 111 online or on the phone to find alternative services for non-urgent medical concerns.
“We encourage everybody who is eligible for a flu or Covid vaccination to take the opportunity to protect themselves this winter.”
A spokesperson from Medway Hospital Trust said: "Medway Maritime Hospital is very busy as we continue to see a high number of patients attending our Emergency Department - approximately 550 every day.
"At the same time, we routinely have a large number of patients who are well enough to leave our wards but are awaiting out of hospital care to continue their recovery at home or in another health, or care, facility.
"As a result, some patients wait much longer than we would like to be admitted to the hospital. Our staff are working tirelessly to provide the best possible care for patients at this particularly busy time.
"Since March 2024 the Trust has exceeded the national target to see, treat, discharge or make a decision to admit 78 per cent of patients within four hours of attending the Emergency Department.
"Medway is regularly one of the highest performing trusts for emergency performance in southern England."
Number of Patients Waiting More than 30 Hours in A&E (East Kent Hospital Trust)
January 2024 - 1355
February 2024 - 1061
March 2024 - 1036
April 2024 - 1099
May 2024 - 909
June 2024 - 928
July 2024 - 952
August 2024 - 744
September 2024 - 1046
October 2024 - 1171
November 2024 - 1027
Number of Patients Waiting More than 30 Hours in A&E (Medway Hospital Trust)
January 2024 - 686
February 2024 - 484
March 2024 - 475
April 2024 - 259
May 2024 - 267
June 2024 - 353
July 2024 - 352
August 2024 - 302
September 2024 - 700
October 2024 - 421
November 2024 - 515