Stafford's A&E failing to see patients in under four hours - despite cut back of services

The department at Stafford Hospital is no longer open at night but new figures show that only 84 per cent of patients are being seen within four hours - the government target is 95 per cent.

Bosses have blamed rising numbers of admissions but say they are determined to reduce waiting times.

Opening hours at the A&E were slashed in the wake of the scandal that led to the Francis Inquiry into poor care at the hospital but figures show a total of 11,446 patients visited A&E in Stafford between July and September.

On Saturday Stafford Hospital, newly named The County Hospital, was taken over by the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after months of planning after the trust which used to run it was dissolved.

Stafford Borough Council leader Mike Heenan said: "These figures are very concerning but I certainly welcome the fact that the new management are looking at them and taking them very seriously.

"I shall be keeping an eye on the figures over the next few months and hope to see an improvement."

Campaigners have since called for the hours to be extended amid fears it is taking too long to get patients to Stoke-on-Trent.

But hospital bosses have admitted they are struggling to cope with the current numbers of admissions.

Magnus Harrison, clinical director of emergency medicine at University Hospitals of North Midlands, said: "The new integrated trust is committed to delivering the national four hour emergency care standard for the patients it serves.

"The demand for the service through increased attendances and admissions has meant that the 95 per cent four hour target has not been met.

"The needs of our patients both at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital are at the forefront of everything we do.

"Despite these pressures, the people of Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and the surrounding areas can be confident that the Emergency Centre continues to offer a high quality and safe service."

Consultant-led maternity and children's services in Stafford will be moved to Stoke in the next few months, as well as acute and major inpatient surgery.

As part of the takeover, The County Hospital will get a new MRI scanner, possibly a new eye surgery unit and a frail elderly assessment service.

Stafford's name was changed because bosses said the name Stafford had been tainted following the Stafford Hospital scandal and that clinical staff did not want to work there.