Guardian graphic

Experts have warned that a system of universal healthcare and rationed social care needs a dramatic rethink

Patient must wait on a trolley

in A&E until a bed is found

4 Patient is admitted to a ward with an available bed. But as the wards best suited to their needs are full, they end up on an unsuitable ward

3 The hospital is short of beds, particularly because patients classed as ‘delayed transfers of care’ who are fit to leave cannot be discharged

2 Patient finally enters the A&E unit. They are seen by a doctor, treated, and if needed admitted into the hospital

1 An ambulance carrying a sick patient arrives at A&E. On a busy day there may be a queue of ambulances waiting

A&E

Guardian graphic

Experts have warned that a system of universal healthcare and rationed social care needs a dramatic rethink

Patient must wait on a trolley in A&E until a bed is found

4 Patient is admitted to a ward with an available bed. But as the wards best suited to their needs are full, they end up on an unsuitable ward

2 Patient finally enters the A&E unit. They are seen by a doctor, treated, and if needed admitted into the hospital

3 The hospital is short of beds, particularly because patients classed as ‘delayed transfers of care’ who are fit to leave cannot be discharged

1 An ambulance carrying a sick patient arrives at A&E. On a busy day there may be a queue of ambulances waiting

Guardian graphic

Experts have warned that a system of universal healthcare and rationed social care needs a dramatic rethink

Patient must wait on a trolley in A&E until a bed is found

4 Patient is admitted to a ward with an available bed. But as the wards best suited to their needs are full, they end up on an unsuitable ward

2 Patient finally enters the A&E unit. They are seen by a doctor, treated, and if needed admitted into the hospital

3 The hospital is short of beds, particularly because patients classed as ‘delayed transfers of care’ who are fit to leave cannot be discharged

1 An ambulance carrying a sick patient arrives at A&E. On a busy day there may be a queue of ambulances waiting

Guardian graphic

Experts have warned that a system of universal healthcare and rationed social care needs a dramatic rethink

Patient must wait on a trolley in A&E until a bed is found

4 Patient is admitted to a ward with an available bed. But as the wards best suited to their needs are full, they end up on an unsuitable ward

2 Patient finally enters the A&E unit. They are seen by a doctor, treated, and if needed admitted into the hospital

3 The hospital is short of beds, particularly because patients classed as ‘delayed transfers of care’ who are fit to leave cannot be discharged

1 An ambulance carrying a sick patient arrives at A&E. On a busy day there may be a queue of ambulances waiting