Ed Davey, the energy secretary, said he was putting in place measures to counter the threat but admitted: "Without timely action there would be risks to security of supply".
The scarcity of available beds meant that only the most clinically critical cases could be admitted in a timely way and that other cases, deemed urgent but not critical, often remained in situ, sometimes with considerable concern about their welfare.
Effective CQI features included seamless and timely data collection, local ownership of the process, openness to admitting deficiencies and willingness to embrace change.
We found that the main features of effective and sustainable CQI include seamless and timely data collection as well as local ownership of the process based around openness to admitting deficiencies and embracing change.
"Under these circumstances it is very difficult to admit all patients in a timely way and our staff worked really hard to assist patients as quickly as possible.
With Euro 2013, which takes place in Sweden, only four months away, Powell admits Wednesday's win is very timely.
Timely assessment of patients admitted to such areas is important to identify deteriorating or under-triaged victims.
Microbial aetiology was identified in a high proportion of patients (72%) admitted to ICU with CAP, reflecting timely collection of appropriate specimens.
This might also minimalise the logistical headache faced by firms trying to co-ordinate timely delivery during a seasonal rush - following Black Friday online sales this year Marks and Spencer admitted that its expected delivery times had doubled from five to 10 days.
In case of amniorrhexis or preterm labor, the patients are admitted and management is individually planned for timely and safe balloon removal.
