Health chiefs aim to free up hospital beds to help cut A&E waiting times

Hospital chiefs in Sunderland are pinning their hopes on freeing up beds to tackle stubbornly high accident and emergency treatment times.

- by Echo Reporter

New NHS England figures show 70% of people seeking A&E help at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust were seen within the target time of four hours last month-13,803 out of 19,784.

The target is for 78% of people to be admitted, discharged or transferred within the time frame by March next year.

Recent NHS England figures show there were 19,784 visits to A&E at the Trust in August. Of them, 13,803 were seen within four hours - accounting for 70% of arrivals.

The Trust-which runs Sunderland Hospital - says reducing these waiting times is a "top priority" as staff prepare for in expected increase in patients during the winter.