Woman, 86, had agonising 30-hour wait in A&E, family says
The family of an 86-year-old woman has criticized the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan after she spent 30 hours waiting in an A&E department. The hospital trust, which has been flagged by inspectors for poor performance, stated that reducing waiting times is a priority.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing crisis in emergency healthcare services and the strain on public hospital systems in the UK.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mat Trewern BBC North West Family photograph The family of Joan Jones, 86, said she spent more than 24 hours in a waiting room chair The family of an 86-year-old grandmother said her "agonising" wait in an emergency department rated by inspectors as one of the worst in England was an "absolute disgrace".
Joan Jones was left "rolling over in pain" at the A&E department at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, Greater Manchester, her family said.
Her son, Barry Jones, said his mother had suffered a collapsed gallbladder and was in "constant pain" while waiting for treatment. He said it took 30 hours before she was admitted to a ward.
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it took the family's concerns "very seriously" and insisted cutting waiting times was a "key priority".
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