A hospital chief executive has spoken of his pride in staff after their busiest start to a year ever.

Christmas and New Year saw record attendances at A&E at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals. Twenty extra patients were seen each day compared to 2017, an increase of 16%.

Despite this staff treated, admitted or transferred 89.3% of patients within four hours of arriving in A&E – a near 10% improvement on the previous year. Patients also waited much less time for transfer into hospital from ambulance

Overall patients now spend two hours less on average in A&E than they did last year.

Chief Executive Silas Nicholls (right) said: “This is my first winter at the Trust and I’m hugely proud of how staff have risen to the challenge.

“The £1.25m improving Southport A&E and more than £1m invested in additional clinical staff has certainly helped improve our performance. But it’s the hard work, commitment and dedication of staff to the care and well-being of local people that has made the biggest difference.

He added: “We’ve had to make some difficult decisions over the past week to make space for everyone who needs care. I want to apologise to anyone whose experience while staying with us has been affected by how busy we are.

“Staff are working incredibly hard to keep all patients safe and cared for. Patients and visitors have a part to play too. Help them to help you keep up their fantastic work.”

• Wash your hands regularly and use the gel dispensers. Norovirus has been a significant issue for the NHS this winter. If you have suffered diarrhoea or vomiting, please don’t visit hospital until 48 hours have passed since the last symptoms
• If you’re a patient, get up and keep mobile, have a shower and put on normal clothing – they’re all things you can do to help you feel better and begin your recovery
• Help get your loved one’s things ready to help with a trouble-free discharge. For example, bring in their clothes and get things ready at home for them – get the heating on, shopping in and so on
• Keep A&E free for people with serious injuries or illness, or life-threatening emergencies. If you are unsure of where to go for medical advice or treatment and it is not an emergency NHS111 can help direct you to the most appropriate place for your care