PARAMEDICS are watching patients die because they cannot hand them over to hospital A&E departments quickly enough, according to new research.

Unison said a survey of almost 600 ambulance staff across Britain painted a “grim picture” of patients waiting hours in the back of ambulances, which the union warned was affecting their conditions.

In a report published ahead of Unison’s annual health conference, which opens in Liverpool today, the union said two-thirds of respondents believed patients’ health deteriorated during long waits.

One in 20 revealed that people have died in their care because of long delays in being admitted to hospital wards.

Around one in seven respondents said they have waited outside emergency departments for 12 hours or more, while more than half have experienced delays of more than six hours.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Ambulance workers want the best for their patients.

“That means reaching them quickly, delivering immediate care and taking them to A&E for further treatment where necessary.

“But this is no longer the reality.

“Ambulances and hospital corridors have become makeshift treatment rooms, forcing staff to care for patients for hours on end.

“The pressure on the NHS is unsustainable.

“Immediate action is crucial to address growing demand and ensure patients receive the timely care they need and deserve.”

Unison called for measures including an increase in staffing across ambulance, hospital and community services, making GP appointments more readily available and improving social care capacity in communities.