Probe into reporting of A&E times

An investigation has begun at a Wirral hospital over allegations of "irregularities" in the hospital's reporting of its A&E waiting times.

One member of staff at Arrowe Park Hospital was suspended after concerns were raised about the reporting of A&E figures against national standards.

A spokesman for the NHS hospital trust said an "urgent" internal probe had been ordered by the board of directors.

Government policy states A&E patients should be seen within four hours.

The allegations were made internally, the hospital confirmed, although it is unclear if more than one individual made complaints.

The hospital added: "Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is undertaking an urgent and thorough investigation into allegations of irregularities in the reporting of performance against national A&E waiting time standards."

NHS North West, the region's strategic health authority, which independently monitors local hospitals, has been informed.

Patients are being reassured that normal standards in the A&E ward had not been compromised, said the hospital.