Mayor Thanks Hospital Staff on Front Line of A&E Capacity Crisis as Excellent Waiting Times Performance Revealed

Mayor Dave Hodgson has offered his thanks and congratulations to staff at Bedford Hospital working in difficult conditions as capacity in Accident and Emergency is stretched to the limit, after new nationally-published figures on A&E waiting times revealed the Hospital's performance is amongst the very best in the country.

The widely-reported national figures showing that the target of at least 95% of patients being admitted to A&E is overwhelmingly being missed across the country also revealed that Bedford Hospital was one of just thirteen trusts across the country to meet the target. The news comes as the A&E capacity crisis continues to affect Bedford in common with many other hospitals, with staff working to ensure everyone in need of emergency care receives it, despite the pressure of capacity being almost at breaking point.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Hospital staff are to be thanked and congratulated for their efforts in the face of this crisis. Meanwhile, the new figures on A&E waiting times show that Bedford Hospital's performance was the fourth best in the country, and that is testament to the efforts of staff on the front line caring for those in need of urgent treatment.'

"The hospital is still under extraordinary pressure, and is urging those with less serious health problems to first seek alternatives such as pharmacists, the walk in centre or to speak to their GP practice. Keep an eye on the Hospital's website and the media for the latest advice from the hospital."

Bedford Hospital's website can be found here: www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk