Restore Emergency at Cheltenham Hospital (REACH) claimed Gloucestershire Royal Hospital has been unable to cope with demand as a result of the winding down of services at Cheltenham General Hospital.

A Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals NHS trust spokesperson said: ‘Despite the claims being made, Cheltenham General Hospital continues to provide a consultant-led Emergency Department (ED) from 8am-8pm and a nurse-led Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (MIIU) from 8pm - 8am, and continues to receive ambulances.

‘We know that at our busiest times, too many patients are waiting longer than we would wish and for that, we are really sorry.'

The trust said it had moved into business continuity to focus on patient safety and support frontline staff so that it could access additional resources and coordinate efforts across its system.

‘We are working with other parts of the health and social care system to ensure that a range of alternative services are available both in hospital and outside of the hospital to ensure people can access the right care and in the best place,' the spokesperson added.