Death, tears, despair in 'Dickensian A&Es'

SHATTERED A&E staff last night told of “Dickensian overcrowding” and third world conditions in which patients are asked to monitor themselves.

- NICOLA SMALL and MARTYN HALLE

At least 10 hospital trusts have declared “Critical Incidents” in the past week – meaning they can no longer provide safe levels of care.

In Stoke, Staffs, 31 ambulances queued outside A&E waiting to admit patients.

Data shows over 63,000 staff were off sick each day last week. And 93% of beds were filled, compared to 86% last year.

Oxfordshire-based NHS doctor Rachel Clarke wrote online: “In 14 years as a doctor I’ve never known such horrific conditions. Patients dying on trolleys with zero dignity. Or screaming & moaning in corridors. Dickensian overcrowding, total implosion. Despair. Weeping staff.