Epsom & Ewell MP Helen Maguire has strongly condemned the government’s decision to abandon its pledge to see, admit, or discharge 95% of A&E patients within four hours by the end of this Parliament. Referring to the move as a “staggering lack of ambition,” Maguire insists it’s an insult to patients—and the latest NHS figures back her up. 

In October alone, 3,367 patients across Epsom & Ewell, Ashtead, and Leatherhead waited over four hours in A&E. That means fewer than three-quarters of patients were treated within the four-hour window, well short of the 95% target. 

Maguire is calling on ministers to reverse their decision, reinstate the four-hour target, and take immediate steps to protect patients and staff this winter. 

A recent ordeal by a local resident at Epsom Hospital highlights the urgency of addressing NHS underfunding. One local family endured a 12-hour wait in A&E overnight, during which time the patient—suffering from an infection—was told she would still face hours more waiting. With exhaustion mounting and a growing queue, the patient discharged herself without receiving antibiotics. Adding to the ordeal, the family paid £18 for hospital parking. 

The mother of the patient, distraught by the whole ordeal, told Maguire: 

“It was devastating to see elderly patients in wheelchairs going long hours without basic access to water or toilets. This situation is heartbreaking and unsustainable. This hospital is on its knees, please help.” 

MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire said:  

“This local family’s experience at Epsom Hospital is utterly appalling. Overstretched staff are doing their best, but unnecessary costs and a chronic lack of resources are piling misery upon misery for patients. The messages that fill my inbox from those experiencing horrific A&E experiences are heartbreaking.” 

“This government should be winterproofing the NHS, not admitting defeat before the real crisis hits. Dropping the pledge isn’t just an abandonment of responsibility—it’s an insult to my constituents who are stuck for hours waiting on urgent care.” 

“We need bold action and proper investment to ensure this is the last winter our health service faces this kind of crisis.” 

“Our communities deserve better than ministers who throw in the towel just when things are getting tough.”