On 15 May 2025, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) helped launch the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emergency Care at the House of Commons.

At the event, RCEM released new analysis linking over 16,600 deaths in 2024 to extended A&E waits—a 20% rise from the previous year. The data highlights delays for patients waiting for in-patient beds, pointing to wider system-level challenges.

• Escalating Mortality Linked to Delays: RCEM revealed that over 16,600 deaths in 2024 were associated with extended waits for admission in A&E an increase of 20% compared to 2023. These figures relate specifically to patients waiting for in-patient beds, suggesting wider system stress beyond what’s captured in the data.

• APPG Objectives: The new group aims to investigate the state of emergency care through cross-party dialogue, informed by frontline healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and academic partners. Its intent is to shape actionable recommendations and put direct pressure on government to address systemic failings.

• Stakeholder Engagement: In addition to Dr Allin-Khan and RCEM President Dr Adrian Boyle, the event featured insights from Francesca Cavallaro (Health Foundation) and Rachel Power (Patients Association), providing clinical, analytical, and patient-focused perspectives on the UEC crisis.

• Political Momentum: Former Health Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt MP has been named Vice-Chair of the APPG, signalling strong political engagement. Cross-party attendance at the event suggests a high level of interest in emergency care reform across the political spectrum.

The APPG will begin formal inquiries in the coming months, working closely with experts to develop policy recommendations aimed at improving patient outcomes and restoring stability in emergency services.

You can read more in the official RCEM blog.