In response to today’s HSCIC data on outpatient and A&E activity, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
"Today’s figures from the HSCIC highlight hospitals under increasing pressure as our ageing population grows. Patients over the age of 50 show the greatest increase in numbers for outpatient attendances. And the group with the highest number of A&E attendances arriving by ambulance are over 80. More should be done to prevent people having to go to hospital in the first place. For example, a hand rail which could help prevent a fall at home can cost £10 compared to a £220 emergency trip to hospital in an ambulance."