England's A&E departments face strain as visits for non-emergency issues like coughs and back pain rise.

A&E departments in England are seeing more patients for non-emergency issues like coughs and back pain, putting additional strain on already stretched services. A&E visits for coughs rose by 15%, for back pain by 13%, and for earaches by 10% in 2023/24. Health officials estimate that up to two-fifths of A&E visits could be avoided or treated elsewhere, with pressures intensifying during winter.

December 31, 2024
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