Health Secretary Wes Streeting has instructed NHS leaders in England to focus on patient safety rather than strictly adhering to the four-hour A&E target during the winter months. As hospitals face significant pressure, with ambulance delays and high bed occupancy, Streeting reassured health chiefs that performance declines wouldn’t incur penalties. However, he emphasized the need for prioritizing patients based on clinical need, acknowledging the reality of the challenges ahead. Recent data indicates that only 73% of patients are seen within the four-hour benchmark.