Shocking ambulance delays shows desperate need for more NHS investment in Leicestershire

1804 patients in Leicestershire have faced waits of half-an-hour of more in ambulances outside A&E so far this winter, Liberal Democrat analysis has revealed. Of these, 564 faced waits of over an hour. The figures were obtained for the University of Leicester Hospital Trust.

In the week to 31st December, 360 patients faced waits of over half an hour and 178 spent at least an hour waiting in ambulances outside A&E.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a penny on income tax for the NHS and care, which would raise £6bn a year, around £68 of which would go to Leicestershire and Rutland health services based on current allocations.

Leicestershire Liberal Democrat County Councillor Michael Mullaney said:

"These figures show the NHS crisis in Leicestershire is worsening. Hundreds of patients are being left stuck in ambulances outside A&Es

"Every ambulance stuck outside an A&E department could well be needed by another patient waiting desperately at home for help.

"Each day seems to bring yet more bad news about the state of the health service. The blame for this lies firmly at the government's door.

"Ministers refused to provide the funding that top NHS officials said was necessary and now patients are paying the price. Here in Hinckley we've had threats of closure hanging over Hinckley Hospital on Mount Road, without any promise of a replacement facility like a Walk in Centre for our growing population locally.

"The Liberal Democrats will give the NHS and care the extra cash they desperately need by putting a penny on income tax, which would raise £68million a year for health services in Leicestershire and Rutland alone."