Hunger-driven A&E admissions spiral amid cost-of-living crisis
More people are being admitted to hospital for devastating reason
- NHS emergency departments are experiencing unprecedented levels of admissions due to hunger, researchers claim.
- Admissions to Accident and Emergency units for lack of food have more than tripled, rising by nearly 219 per cent in England over five years.
- This surge, from 70 patients in 2018-19 to 230 in 2023-24, is attributed to the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling food prices, and increased poverty.
- Experts warn that the significant rise reflects growing food insecurity, with the Resolution Foundation predicting a bleak outlook for UK living standards.
- While hunger-related admissions saw the fastest proportionate rise, the biggest actual increase in A&E numbers was due to adverse reactions to standard medical procedures.