Severe pressure at New Cross Hospital as 18 patients wait 10 hours in A&E on one day

The pressure rating was escalated to the highest level four on Tuesday as all beds were full and the hospital was overwhelmed by the number of patients coming in.

More than 200 patients waited more than four hours in A&E to be seen and discharged.

Under the national target, 95 per cent of patients should be seen within four hours.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross, said staff were working hard to treat patients as quickly as possible and that the pressure had since eased.

An email sent to staff on Tuesday from chief operating officer Gwen Nuttall, said: "This morning we have no empty beds across the organisation, including West Park and Cannock and we have 18 patients waiting over 10 hours in the emergency department for a bed.

"I have therefore said that we are operating at the maximum level of capacity and declared what is called a level four. The emphasis is on increasing safe discharges."

It comes after it was revealed last month national A&E waiting times are at their worst ever levels.

People in Wolverhampton have been reminded alternative facilities are available if hospital care is not necessary including the Phoenix urgent treatment centre.

A trust spokeswoman said: “Due to a sudden surge in attendances to our emergency department, and all hospital beds being used, the trust made the decision to declare a level four at 7am Tuesday.

"This was de-escalated at 4.30pm the same day. This is the fourth time since the start of the year that the trust declared a level 4.”