North West NHS Trusts Recognized for A&E and Ambulance Performance
Eleven NHS organizations in the North West have been recognized nationally for outstanding performance and significant improvements in A&E wait times and Category 2 ambulance response times. These trusts will share in a £150 million capital spending initiative,acknowledging their dedication to enhancing urgent and emergency care services. The funding is part of NHS england’s integrated urgent and emergency care incentives scheme for 2024/5.
The awards recognize achievements throughout 2024/5,and also improvements comparing March 2025 to March 2024. The focus was on reducing four-hour A&E waits, minimizing twelve-hour A&E waits, and improving Category 2 ambulance response times.
Did You Know? …
Category 2 ambulance calls are defined as perhaps serious conditions that may require rapid assessment and/or urgent on-scene intervention and transport. Examples include stroke and fits.
Top Performing and Most Improved Trusts
Several North west trusts stood out for their exceptional performance:
- Alder Hey children’s NHS Foundation Trust: Ranked second nationally for four-hour A&E performance, with 89.3% of patients seen within four hours in 2024/5.They also had one of the lowest proportions of patients waiting 12+ hours in A&E (0.2%).
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, University hospitals of morecambe Bay NHS foundation Trust, and Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust: All included among the top 20 organizations most improved on 12-hour waits.
- Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside and glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS foundation Trust, and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: Featured in the top 10 organizations with the most improved four-hour A&E performance comparing March 2025 with March 2024.
- NHS Greater Manchester and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria: Among the five integrated care boards with the best Category 2 ambulance response times in 2024/5, clocking in at 23 minutes 57 seconds and 26 minutes 20 seconds, respectively.
These improvements come as the NHS faces increasing pressure. In England, the average A&E waiting time for treatment, admission or discharge was 2 hours and 51 minutes in February 2024, up from 2 hours and 34 minutes in February 2023. (Source: NHS England)
Ambulance Response Times: A Critical Metric
Category 2 ambulance response times are a key indicator of emergency care efficiency. Faster response times can significantly improve patient outcomes, especially in cases of stroke or heart attack. The national target for Category 2 response times is an average of 18 minutes, with 90% of responses to be within 40 minutes (Source: The King’s Fund).
The performance of NHS Greater Manchester and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria highlights the effectiveness of integrated care boards in coordinating ambulance services and ensuring timely responses.
Pro Tip: Check your local NHS trust’s website for performance data and updates on service improvements.
Capital Funding to Drive Further Improvements
The £150 million in capital funding will enable these trusts to invest in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing to further enhance their emergency care services. This investment is crucial for sustaining the progress made and addressing ongoing challenges in urgent and emergency care.
Dr. Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North west, praised the hard work of NHS staff and acknowledged the ongoing commitment to improving services. “The achievements of those named as among the best performing and most improved NHS organizations in our region is testament to that effort,” he stated.
How can local communities support their NHS trusts in continuing to improve emergency care services? What innovative strategies could further reduce A&E wait times and improve ambulance response times?
North West NHS Performance Metrics
| Metric | Trust/Area | Performance/Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Hour A&E Performance | Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust | 89.3% |
| Category 2 Ambulance Response Time | NHS greater Manchester | 23 minutes 57 seconds |
| Category 2 Ambulance Response Time | NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria | 26 minutes 20 seconds |
Evergreen Insights: The Evolving Landscape of NHS Emergency Care
The NHS has faced increasing demand for emergency care services in recent years, driven by factors such as an aging population, complex health needs, and seasonal pressures. This has led to challenges in meeting performance targets for A&E wait times and ambulance response times.
Integrated care systems (ICSs) are playing a crucial role in coordinating care across different providers and settings, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce pressure on emergency departments. Initiatives such as enhanced primary care services, community-based urgent care centers, and improved discharge planning are also helping to alleviate demand on A&E.
Technology is also transforming emergency care, with innovations such as telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostic tools offering new ways to improve access to care and streamline processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About NHS Emergency Care
- What are Category 2 ambulance response times?
- Category 2 ambulance calls are for serious conditions, such as stroke or fits, that require rapid assessment and urgent transport to the hospital.
- Why are A&E wait times a concern?
- Long A&E wait times can lead to poorer patient outcomes, increased overcrowding, and reduced staff morale. Reducing these waits is a key priority for the NHS.
- How is the NHS working to improve ambulance response times?
- The NHS is implementing various strategies, including increasing ambulance capacity, improving dispatch processes, and working with hospitals to reduce handover delays.
- What role do integrated care systems play in emergency care?
- Integrated care systems coordinate care across different providers to improve efficiency and reduce pressure on emergency departments.
- Where can I find data about my local NHS trust’s performance?
- You can find performance data and updates on service improvements on your local NHS trust’s website.
- What can I do to help reduce pressure on A&E services?
- Consider using option services such as NHS 111, urgent care centers, and pharmacies for non-emergency conditions.
- How does capital funding impact NHS A&E performance?
- Capital funding allows trusts to invest in infrastructure,equipment,and staffing,leading to improved efficiency and better patient care in A&E departments.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about NHS performance and is not intended as medical advice.Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
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