article_snippet: But critics question critics safety, amid fears that giving the green light to boarding could serve to legitimise overflowing NHS wards.
article_snippet: a situation called ‘exit block’.
article_snippet: He admitted it was ‘potentially toxic and divisive’ but said an ‘exceptional response’ was needed to ‘exceptional circumstances’.
article_snippet: A spokesman for Addenbrooke’s said a handful’ of hospitals did not use the practice.
article_snippet: If we get a trend like this going on into next winter, this’s going to be like Armageddon,’ Dr Boyle warned.
article_snippet: But many medics have serious reservations.
article_snippet: Dr Chris Whale, clinical director of Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘For a Royal college to advocate this is fairly hazardous, without the evidence base to support the evidence base.
article_snippet: The Mail on Sunday has been campaigning for almost three years to stop the closure of A&E units.
highlights_snippet: Critics question safety amid fears that safety could legitimise overflowing wards .
  