NEARLY 600 patients passed through A&E at Hereford County Hospital over the Easter break.

Wye Valley NHS Trust was on standby for an “Easter rush” and, as yet, has not had to consider calling another internal incident because of pressure over patient numbers.

All told, A&E saw 574 patients between Friday-Monday – an average of just over 143 a day through a unit designed to handle a maximum of 125 a day.

Attendances did dip to 113 on Good Friday, compared to last year’s figure of 160.

But numbers soared over Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday with a particular increase seen in minor injuries to limbs. 

As reported by the Hereford Times, the trust cancelled all non-urgent operations in the build up to Easter with theatre staff at Hereford County Hospital transferred to work emergencies.

The hospital’s Teme ward switched function from surgical to medical, again, with theatre staff and resources assigned to emergency surgery to increase patient throughout and earlier discharge.

GPs are also offering a wider service over the Bank Holiday break with 12 surgeries staying open in addition to the seven day Taurus hubs, the Hereford walk in centre and other alternatives.

Today (Tues), the Minor Injury Units at Leominster and Ross Community Hospitals were due to open again having been closed last month with staff transferred to ease the pressure on A&E.

Though Easter is over, the trust is still urging patients to only attend A&E for “life threatening” illnesses or injuries.