We are still working hard to address our emergency care challenges, and working closely with partner organisations across Stockport.

Our hospital has been under immense strain for a long time now. A&E numbers are up by 8%, and many of our patients are frail and elderly, with complex conditions that require a lot of medical attention and a longer stay in hospital.

We have become better and faster at coping with the surge in demand, and opened extra beds, but there is no easy solution. We are sorry that despite the huge efforts of our hard working staff, we are not able to admit all patients quickly to a ward bed. It is important to point out however that everyone is receiving safe care.

A huge amount of work is taking place on the Stockport Together plans, with our health and social care partners. As well as improving local care for people through more services closer to home, these plans should reduce the number of people requiring emergency care.

Our message to the public is to bear with us during these difficult times, and to only visit our A&E if it is a genuine emergency.