WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed measures which could help reduce delays at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Bosses at the hospital have introduced new protocols to reduce the number of ambulances waiting at the hospital to hand over patients and also have worked to speed up discharge of patients who are able to go home.

Work continues on the new £15 million Emergency Department which is expected to open next year and a new 29-bed ward opened up in July to increase capacity at the busy hospital.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I was pleased to receive briefings from the local hospital management team saying that waiting times at the Emergency Department are much reduced and fewer ambulances are having to queue up outside.

"The team is also working to reduce the number of people having to wait on trollies and in corridors but there is still significant work that needs to be done before the new emergency department opens up next year.

"At a national level, the Government is developing a plan to help reduce waiting lists and making it easier for people to get time with their local GP.

"Of course, winter is approaching, and we need to prepare for the extra demand that this season brings.

"The message remains in place, that you should only turn up at A&E if it is urgent, and these plans will help to add extra capacity at GP surgeries and pharmacies helping to take the pressure off our main hospital.

"And it is also vital that you come forward to get your latest Covid vaccine booster jab when asked.

"Covid hasn’t left us and by getting vaccinated you are helping to protect yourself, your loved ones and ensuring that the NHS won’t get overwhelmed this winter."