SEVERE pressures at Warrington Hospital during the winter months have resulted in an increase in patients waiting for treatment.

The hospital's waiting list has increased by 107 patients, from 7,781 at the end of December to 7,888 in January. It is the first increase for six months and has been blamed on an unprecedented demand on hospital services during winter.

Gill Heaton, Director of Nursing and Operational Services, said the increase was regrettable but had to be viewed in the context of the increased pressure on services.

She said: "The shortfall in the waiting lists should be set against the context of severe pressure on emergency medical admissions in December and early January.

"Taking that into account, we are still confident we will be back on target by the end of the year. I would like to thank members of staff for their efforts during what has been a very difficult winter for the NHS."

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