A&E closed for the night after 'extremely busy weekend' (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Watford General Hospital's A&E closed for the night after 'extremely busy weekend'

4:10pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Adam Binnie

The accident and emergency at Watford General Hospital, the closest department for St Albans residents, was closed to patients arriving in ambulances on Sunday evening after an "extremely busy weekend".

Although patients arriving on foot were able to be treated at the hospital, ambulances were diverted to other hospitals run by East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, and Luton and Dunstable NHS Foundation Trust.

One patient, who suffers with cancer and asked to not be named, had to be taken to hospital in Barnet, an extra 30 minutes away when the department was closed on Sunday night.

Natalie Forrest, acting chief operating officer, said: "We apologise to any patients who experienced delays in the emergency service. The A&E department at Watford was extremely busy over the past weekend.

"Due to the hard work and commitment of our incredible workforce the A&E department remained open to all walk-in patients.

"This was supported by the ambulance services who diverted ambulances to nearby hospitals for a short period of time. We are very grateful to our colleagues for their assistance.

"The trust is working closely with our partners throughout the health service to ensure a full and safe emergency service continues to be available."

Were you affected by the delays? Contact the news desk on 01923 216296 or email abinnie@london.newsquest.co.uk.