Concerns have continued over mounting pressures facing Basildon Hospital's emergency services as staff start putting into action its winter strategy.

In the last three months "severe pressure" on the hospital has led to serious complaints about the length of waiting times and conditions at the Accident and Emergency department.

In order to tackle these problems and prepare for the expected Christmas and New Year 'rush' Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals NHS Trust has opened a further 30 beds at the hospital.

Acting Chief Executive, Alan Whittle, said in a report to the Trust's board: "The major factor which will contribute to the Trust's success in managing over the winter period is the need for additional beds for emergency admissions.

"These beds will be supported with dedicated senior doctors, supervised by the existing consultant physicians and a strong nursing skill mix."

Mr Whittle has admitted that the last three months have been exceptionally difficult: "During October and November in particular the pressure on admissions has had a serious impact on the A&E department which has led to unacceptable conditions for patients and staff."

He said the hospital had been stretched to its limits due to the level of demand for emergency admissions and had needed to identify more than 50 beds nearly every day for new admissions.

The problem was worsened by bed blocking - when a patient is medically fit, but the hospital is unable to discharge them due to a lack of appropriate support services.

This has had a knock-on effect of forcing the cancellation of operations, he said.

Mr Whittle has said these problems will be addressed by the winter strategy and that the trust will be looking to manage the new beds as efficiently as possible to avoid similar bed blocking.

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