LONG waiting times at A&E are a symptom of major failings in the whole health and social care system.

Most people who these days go to A&E don’t need to be there and could be better looked after by other services.

Today’s Oxford Mail report that a key waiting target is at its worst level for two years suggests the much-vaunted NHS 111 number for one is failing to keep pressure off wards.

The NHS Direct replacement is meant to give medical advice to those who can treat themselves.

Yet all too often those confused or frustrated with the alternatives instead go to A&E. Is it 999 or 111? My GP surgery or the out-of-hours service?

You can’t often blame them for heading to hospital, especially when parents are worried about their children.

Conservative Oxford West & Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood questions whether out-of-hours GP arrangements and “bed blocking” by OAPs with nowhere to go are also contributing to long A&E waits.

Ministers have had years to get this right in the face of rising pressure but have yet to grab the bull by the horns.

All these services seem to be creating a perfect storm that is putting an intolerable pressure on A&E. Drastic action is needed to put it right.