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Accident and Emergency Departments: Staff

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 24 April 2026UIN 127801

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of staffing levels on accident and emergency waiting times.

Answered by Karin Smyth

We recognise the importance of ensuring that emergency departments operate safely and effectively. Decisions on staffing levels are matters for local National Health Service trusts, working with integrated care boards, who are best placed to assess and manage services in line with local needs and circumstances.

Nationally, NHS England sets standards for emergency care and provides guidance to support trusts in maintaining safe staffing.

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