Elderly woman dies on corridor trolley at Arrowe Park Hospital

Staff at Arrowe Park Hospital say an elderly woman died alone on a trolley in the A&E corridor, and the trust says the emergency department is facing extremely high demand with attendances about 30% above expected levels.

Staff at Arrowe Park Hospital have reported that an elderly woman died while on a trolley in the emergency department corridor. Colleagues described being overwhelmed by patient numbers and staffing shortages. The trust said the A&E is experiencing "extremely high demand," with attendances around 30% higher than expected for this time of year. The department is currently rated "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission. Key facts: - Hospital staff reported an elderly patient died on a trolley in the A&E corridor during a period of severe pressure. - The trust confirmed the emergency department is under extremely high demand, with daily attendances exceeding typical levels. - Staff accounts describe staffing shortfalls, increased use of corridor and escalation spaces, and low morale with some taking stress leave. - The trust says it has opened extra beds and wards, encourages incident reporting, and is working with partners to improve patient flow. Summary: Staff describe sustained pressure on the department, with high patient numbers and stretched staffing affecting care areas, while the trust reports operational measures have been taken and incidents are being investigated. Undetermined at this time.