'Hunt effect' means patients think no one will treat them at weekends

Patients are avoiding medical treatment at weekends as they mistakenly believe staff will not be available to see them.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has published examples of what has been dubbed ‘the Hunt effect’ following statements this year by health secretary Jeremy Hunt in which he made reference to ‘inadequate’ staffing levels in the NHS.

The two-week study led by a clinical research fellow at Great Ormond Street Hospital last month found people were presenting at surgeries or A&E departments early in the week but having begun to feel ill at the weekend.

Two deaths were believed to have happened as a result of delay in seeking treatment and 30% of the cases could have avoided hospital altogether if intervention had been provided earlier.

Although researchers decided it was not ethically possible to continue the study, they concluded if results were extrapolated it could mean potentially 1,000 patients a year could be at risk of harm.

They urge Mr Hunt to make it clear emergency care is available 24/7 and that patients should always seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander said: ‘These worrying findings should make Jeremy Hunt stop and think about the unintended consequences of his rhetoric on the NHS.

‘As the study suggests, his actions may have put patients at risk and potentially caused unnecessary harm.

‘To imply that the NHS isn’t there for you in an emergency is not only completely wrong, but highly irresponsible.’