By Local Democracy Reporter
Piers Meyler

THE A&E department at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow remains the worst in the country, with more than a third of patients waiting more than four hours to be treated.

Just 64.7 per cent of the 24,552 patients seen at A&E in the fourth quarter up to March 31 waited less than four hours from arrival to admission, discharge or transfer.

This is nearly 30 per cent off the target of 95 per cent.

The figures published represent a worsening situation at the hospital’s emergency department.

In December, the figure stood at 67.3 per cent waiting less than four hours.

However, the trust has improved compared to the same period in 2016, when just 62.6 per cent of patients were seen in the target time.

The hospital, which was only taken out of special measures in March, was told in its CQC report that there were multiple factors affecting flow through the department, including a high rate of bed occupancy in the main hospital.

The report also revealed that it failed to meet the target of 92 per cent of patients receiving treatment within 18 weeks, or referral.

However, the target for 85 per cent of patients to start cancer treatment within 62 days was met.

The hospital also also reported deficits that were almost £7 million worse than expected. It had planned to overspend by £21.5 million, but actually overspent by £28.4 million.

PAH has been contacted for comment.