Huge rise in number of people in England’s A&Es for coughs or hiccups

Lack of prompt access to primary care blamed for rise in hospital cases of minor ailments including blocked noses

Millions of people are turning to A&E departments in England for minor ailments including coughs, blocked noses and hiccups, according to data that health leaders say lays bare a failure to give patients prompt access to primary care.

Emergency wards are designed for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies only. But many are becoming swamped with patients whose health concerns should be dealt with elsewhere, including a near tenfold increase in people seeking help for a cough.