Hospital staff are struggling under the pressure of increased demand on accident and emergency departments serving Redbridge.

In the last four weeks, an average of 626 people a day are seeking emergency treatment at King George Hospital, in Goodmayes, and Queen’s Hospital, in Romford.

Figures show that more than 12,000 patients have visited Queen’s A&E alone, up 16 per cent on the same period last year.

King George treated 5,523 patients during the same period, a rise of 11 per cent.

Across the two hospitals, 12 per cent are not receiving treatment within four hours.

The government target is five per cent missing the threshold.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University trust (BHRUT) is in special measures due to concerns over standards of care and a debt of £40m.

The King George A&E is earmarked for closure.

The trust secured £4million of winter crisis funding to spend on projected increased demand on its A&Es during the winter months.

BHRUT chief operating officer, Sarah Tedford, said: “The sheer numbers we are seeing means that some people are having to wait far longer than we would like in our A&Es.

“It is vital that we see people in order of their clinical need, so we ensure that the most vulnerable patients are treated first.

“Our priority is always the safety of our patients, and our staff are working tirelessly to make sure that people receive the care that they need.

 “If people do not have an emergency or life-threatening condition, it is likely they will be seen more quickly away from hospital, in a walk-in centre, by their GP or a pharmacist.”

More information on alternatives to A&E is available by calling 111, or visiting www.notalwaysaande.co.uk