North Devon MP criticises government for dropping A&E wait time pledge

North Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP, Ian Roome, has criticised the government’s decision to abandon its pledge of admitting, transferring, or discharging 95 per cent of A&E patients within four hours by the end of the Parliament, calling the move an "insult to patients."

The latest NHS statistics highlight the strain on emergency departments. 

In October, 5,460 patients across the NHS Royal Devon Trust waited more than four hours in A&E, with only 70.1 per cent of patients seen within the target timeframe – well below the 95 per cent standard.

Mr Roome described the figures as “shocking” and expressed disappointment at what he sees as a lack of urgency from the government to address the issue. 

He urged ministers to reinstate the target and take action to prepare the NHS for winter challenges, ensuring this is the last season of such crises.

“To drop this pledge shows a staggering lack of ambition by the government to get patients the care that they deserve,” Mr Roome said. 

“It is an insult to patients here in North Devon for the government to not even try to meet this pledge. Ministers must urgently rethink this approach, reinstate the pledge, and take steps to winterproof the NHS.”

Mr Roome acknowledged the long-term challenges facing the health service, describing them as the result of “years of neglect” under the previous Conservative government.

He called for stronger leadership and immediate action to reduce waiting times and support healthcare workers.

The comments come as the NHS continues to face mounting pressures, with A&E departments struggling to cope with high demand and staffing shortages.