EXCLUSIVE: More than 340 patients wait 30 plus hours at Cumbria's A&E departments during last six months
Our investigation has revealed the pressure facing our emergency departments
There's fresh concern over the huge amount of pressure Cumbria's A&E departments are under
Our exclusive investigation reveals in the first six months of this year - just over 340 people waited more than 30 hours to be admitted, treated or discharged at Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland hospital.
NHS targets suggest 95% should be admitted, treated or discharged within four hours.
Ashely Green is from Healthwatch: "The public are starting to accept this when actually they they shouldn't be. They should be demanding and expecting better care and not be expect to be waiting 10, 20 or 30 hours in in A&E."
But he says the whole system is under enormous pressure: "So the fact that people are going to A&E actually, maybe because of the lack of access to a GP, so people turning up at A&E maybe don't need to be."
What do the trust say?
In a statement North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Whilst the number of patients waiting over 30 hours has improved since January, we know there is still more to be done.
“The number of people attending A&E is ever increasing and while we try to see everyone as quickly as possible, we have to see those who are the most unwell first. This sometimes means a longer wait for less urgent conditions.
“We urge anyone who has an urgent medical condition that is not life-threatening to attend an Urgent Treatment Centre where possible, where almost all patients are seen within the 4 hour standard.
“If anyone is unsure which service is best, then please use 111 online.”