This is true, I knew a kid with 3 fractures who waited something like 20 hours in A&E with only paracetamol

but haven’t there been cuts to the NHS for years now?

That’s not quite right. In America we often don’t treat our illnesses because we can’t afford it. Waiting a long time is much better than no help at all. If you’re poor working class you’re expected to just “walk it off”.