General · 4 December 2025
England A&E units see surge in minor cases
Emergency departments in England faced unprecedented pressure as over 200,000 patients attended A&E last winter for minor complaints including hiccups, sore throats, and ingrowing toenails. Recent data shows sore throat cases rose 77% between 2021-22 and 2022-23, from 191,900 to 340,441 cases. Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that A&Es should handle accidents and emergencies, not anything and everything, as officials launch campaigns directing patients to alternative care services.
Reported by NHS England · How we write briefs