Southport Hospital A&E under huge pressures as patients forced to wait for many hours

Southport Hospital say patients not needing emergency medical treatment should stay away from A&E today.

Bosses at the Town Lane hospital say the accident and emergency department is facing huge backlogs and long wait times.

They say it’s due to industrial action as hard working doctors and nurses continue to fight for better pay under crippling work pressures and the cost of living crisis.

A Southport hospital spokesperson said “During the current industrial action please keep A&E free for those who need it most. Please use the 111 service, GPs, your local pharmacy or visit one of the number of Walk-in Centres open in the local area.“

“Our A&E Dept is extremely busy. Long waits are to be expected.

“If it is not an emergency, please call 111 or visit NHS 111 online”

Junior doctors are asking for a 35% pay rise and argue their pay has been cut by 26% since 2008 once inflation is taken into account