LONG wait times at the city's A&E department were unconnected to a chemical leak at Kidderminster Hospital.

A person contacted Worcester News to say a patient arrived at A&E at 9pm on Wednesday, November 22, and was waiting for 23 hours to be seen.

Stephen Collman, managing director of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, issued an apology to those who have been experiencing long wait times.

He said: “We are sorry that some patients are facing long waits in our Emergency Department (ED).

"Staff across our EDs and partner health and care services are working incredibly hard to ensure patients are prioritised appropriately to get the help they need, as quickly and safely as possible in the face of continuing unprecedented demand. 

“We would urge the public to contact NHS 111, either online or by calling 111 to receive free urgent care advice before attending our Emergency Departments, and to only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“Please also remember you can seek help from a local Minor Injury Unit (MIU) for a variety of injuries including wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns with much shorter waiting times.”

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust also said that the "minor cleaning spillage" at Kidderminster yesterday had no impact on its emergency departments.

Fire crews from across Worcestershire and an ambulance with paramedics were called to the hospital on Thursday morning (November 23).

Staff at the Endoscopy Department at the treatment centre discovered that a fluid used to clean endoscopes in the decontamination room had leaked.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said the fluid is a substance that is found in many disinfectants and smells like a strong bleach.

No patients were affected by the leak, but some appointments had to be cancelled.

It confirmed that all services at Kidderminster Hospital were able to run as  normal today (Friday 24 November).