ACCIDENT and emergency departments in mid and south Essex, which include Basildon & Thurrock Hospital's service, saw record numbers of people last month – as NHS leaders warn that the health service is experiencing "winter in summer".

A huge spike in demand for non-Covid related urgent healthcare – combined with another surge in Covid cases – has led to unprecedented demand, according to the NHS Confederation.

34,265 people visited Mid and South Essex NHS Trust's A&Es in June – the highest number since monthly records began in June 2015.

Numbers were 42 per cent higher than in June last year during lockdown.

Of those arriving in A&E this June, 87 per cent were admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours. That was down from 90 per cent in May, and below the target of 95 per cent.

Dr Simon Walsh, deputy chair BMA consultants committee, said: "Seeing the extraordinary rise in the numbers of people going to emergency departments serves to reinforce the need for the Westminster Government to reconsider its plans to relax all Covid restrictions from July 19.

"Overcrowded emergency departments already cause harm, even without a pandemic, so it seems utterly illogical that the Westminster Government is pushing ahead with full easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

"When you add that to the news that there are now 5.3 million people on the waiting list, it's vital that we keep infections down to reduce the pressure on the NHS as much as possible."

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