Comment on BBC Radio 4 programme on seven day care in hospitals

Commenting on a BBC Radio Four programme looking at hospital care at nights and weekends Mr David Ward, Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

‘It is not acceptable that mortality and complication rates are significantly higher for patients admitted as emergencies at the weekend. A seven day service which is led by consultants is vital to delivering high quality patient care. However it is not just about consultants working weekends. It is also about making sure there is seven day access to the right facilities in hospital and support available in the community for the next steps in the patient’s treatment.

This will require innovative and workable solutions and all parts of the system working cohesively will be essential. The surgical profession and this College will do all it can to help solve this urgent problem.’

Notes to editors

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