THE "dire situation" of long ambulance waits is not good enough and is putting lives at risk, says Redditch MP Rachel Maclean.

With her concerns increasing around patient safety as a result of long ambulance waits at the Worcestershire Royal and Alexandra Hospitals, Mrs Maclean has requested an urgent meeting with Health Ministers.

She has written to the Minister of State for Health, Stephen Hammond, urging him to look into the matter and to discuss what more can be done to improve the situation.

Demand on the trust’s A&E services is growing.

12,184 more people were seen in less than four hours in 2017/18 compared to 2009/10.

The MP said: “The safety of my constituents is being put at risk as a result of these long ambulance waits and it’s not acceptable.

“I’ve requested this urgent meeting, and I can’t stress enough how urgent this situation is, with the Health Minister to discuss what more can be done to improve this dire situation.

“We all want to see an end to this situation and I’m doing what I can as your MP to put pressure on trust bosses, and the Government, to ensure my constituents receive the first-class healthcare they deserve.”

Mrs Maclean recently spoke with the new chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Matthew Hopkins.

She said: “I know Matthew only started his new role this week, but the ambulance handover delays we’re seeing are extremely worrying and serious. This situation has got to be gripped right now.

“Our phone call was constructive and I told Matthew directly that his trust is letting down my constituents and the people of Worcestershire. I’m demanding better for my constituents.

“Matthew acknowledged there was a range of things he can do and things that can be improved. He accepted they need to improve quickly."

She added: “Work is ongoing to increase capacity at the trust.

"There are now 60 new beds, including some at the Alex. The new Link Bridge, which I helped secure funding for along with my fellow Worcestershire MPs, should start making a big difference.

"Once fully operational the new refurbished Aconbury East Ward will help with patient flow by freeing up more capacity at the front door."