More than 1,000 people had to wait over 12 hours in A&E in Merseyside in October, latest figures show.
As accident and emergency departments across the country are reportedly extremely busy, the NHS says it is a "really challenging time". As we continue to feel the ongoing impact of the pandemic as well as winter viruses and infections, there are reports of 12 hour delays.
According to data released by the NHS, a total of 92,362 people attended Accident & Emergency departments across the Merseyside region in October. Some 1,493 of those had to wait over 12 hours before being admitted to a ward bed.
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And figures suggest the situation is only getting worse. Back in January, around 242 people had to wait over 12 hours in A&E. By July that had increased to 312 people and in August it was 691 people.
In September it was 597, before near trebling last month. A total of 67,742 people arrived at A&E in October and waited less than four hours to be admitted, discharged or transferred. That works out as 73% of attendees and the target is for 95% of attendees to be dealt with in that time.
A spokesperson for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "Local accident and emergency departments are currently extremely busy, as is the case across the country. This continues to be a really challenging time for the NHS, with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, along with the arrival of seasonal flu, and continued COVID-19 infections.
"Staff in A&E, and across the health and care system, are working incredibly hard to continue providing care to patients.
"NHS services remain open and available for everyone who needs them this winter. Anyone needing healthcare advice can contact NHS 111 for help finding the right service, and call 999 in an emergency as usual."
The situation in Merseyside is reflected across the country. A total of 43,792 people across England had to wait more than 12 hours to be admitted to A&E.
That's up from 32,776 in September and 28,756 in August. Meanwhile, just 62% of A&E attendees were admitted within four hours.
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