The RCEM has called for the implementation of 'front door frailty screening' in A&E departments, a practice already being adopted in Scotland to better address the needs of older patients.

Senior doctors are sounding the alarm over patient safety as over one million elderly individuals are facing long waits in A&E, a situation that is particularly worsening for older patients.

Dr. Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), emphasized that the healthcare system is failing vulnerable patients, resulting in long and degrading waits in emergency departments.

Recent studies reveal that the likelihood of experiencing a 12-hour wait in A&E increases significantly with age, affecting 15% of those aged 60-69 and 33% of patients aged 90 and above.

To address these challenges, improvements must focus on reducing waiting lists and enhancing access to GP appointments, which are crucial for decreasing unnecessary A&E visits.

In response to the crisis, the UK government has committed £26 billion to NHS and social care over the next two years, aiming to reduce A&E waiting times and enhance patient care.

Despite ongoing efforts, Streeting acknowledged that some patients may still face long waits and trolley care during the upcoming winter, highlighting the persistent challenges in A&E services.

Dr. Anu Mitra noted some improvements in assessments for older patients, but stressed the need for continued focus on their care amidst the challenging environments of emergency departments.

Research indicates that many older patients are not receiving essential health screenings in A&E, with only 16% screened for delirium and fewer than half screened for fall risks.

Dr. Nick Murch from the Society for Acute Medicine expressed grave concern over the prolonged wait times, indicating a systemic failure in healthcare delivery that jeopardizes timely care for older patients.

He warned that prolonged stays in A&E can be dangerous for older adults, increasing their risk of health complications and subsequent emergency visits.

A report by the Royal College of Nursing highlighted that 70% of nurses care for patients in overcrowded or inappropriate settings, including hallways and converted spaces, exacerbating the crisis.