Ambulances should divert to Stafford's County Hospital, claims leading campaigner

It comes after latest figures show 95 per cent of patients in A&E at Stafford are being seen within four hours.

However, at Royal Stoke University Hospital, it is 61.5 per cent - well below the government target of 95 per cent - for the week ending March 22.

Both hospitals are run by the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

Cheryl Porter, from Support Stafford Hospital, who is also standing in the borough council elections next month, said: "With Stafford Hospital's A&E performing at 95 per cent then why not divert some of the ambulances stacking up outside Stoke's doors back to Stafford?

"It seems that it is okay to make expectant mothers and poorly children travel from Stafford to Stoke so why not the other way round? Stafford needs its services re-instated."

Since November 1 last year, some services have moved from Stafford to Stoke as part of a major overhaul of health services in the county. More patients now than before are treated at Stoke rather than Stafford.

Paediatric services are moving from Stafford to Stoke in May.