Margaret Greenwood has written to the chief executive of the health trust which runs Arrowe Park Hospital seeking assurances it can cope with demand at A&E this winter.

The Wirral West MP’s intervention came as figures for November were the worst on record in Wirral, with 42.2% of patients waiting more than four hours to be discharged, admitted or transferred after arrival at A&E.  

This continues a worrying trend which has seen the figures rise steeply since the summer: 

  • June - 24.1%
  • July - 26.8%
  • August - 30.4%
  • September - 35.5%
  • October - 39.6% 

The average number of patients waiting longer than four hours at A&Es across the country in November was 28.7%, although national guidelines aim for just 5%. 

Ms Greenwood said: “These figures for waiting times at A&E at Arrowe Park Hospital are shocking.

"I am extremely concerned about the impact that they are having on patients and hard-working staff. 

“In Wirral the situation has got considerably worse over the past few months and I am calling on the management at Arrowe Park Hospital to provide assurances that there is a plan in place for the hospital to be able to meet demand this winter. 

“During the recent election campaign, I heard accounts of 13 ambulances backed up outside A&E because there weren’t enough beds for patients. 

“I have also received emails from constituents describing their experiences and some have agreed for me to share their stories."  

She continued: “Another described a situation where a critically ill person had to be carried to an elderly relative’s car and taken to A&E with no medical support because the wait for an ambulance was too long. 

“Clearly situations like these are harrowing and are placing unbelievable strain on patients and staff alike. It cannot go on.  

“These appalling waiting times show the reality of Government policy. The Government is not funding our NHS properly and, as a result it is at crisis point.”

A spokesman for the trust said: "The Wirral health and social care system has worked together to prepare for increased pressures over the winter period.

"But in-line with the national picture, it is extremely busy currently with increased demands across all parts of the health system including the ED at Arrowe Park Hospital. 

"The situation is further heightened due to the number of cases of norovirus and flu circulating within the community and in our hospitals."

“We are grateful to all our staff, who continue to care for our patients within the hospital and wider community during this busy and demanding time.

 "To help, patients can also access a range of services available within the community including pharmacies, GPs and walk-in centres”