Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Patients admitted to NHS hospitals for emergency treatment at weekends are almost 10 per cent more likely to die than those admitted during the week, it was reported last night.
In a "handful" of trusts, the mortality rate was found to have risen 20 per cent more at weekends, according to a report by the Dr Foster Intelligence healthcare information organisation.
The report was said to have found "significantly reduced services at weekends and nights", and that mortality rates "rise sharply for patients admitted on a Saturday or a Sunday".
NHS medical director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, called for hospitals with high rates to investigate why they may be falling short.
"By working together and sharing best practice, hospitals can improve services for patients," he said. "I will be asking the NHS medical directors to look closely at weekend services to ensure patients admitted at weekends receive the same standards of care as those during the week."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments