A survey by health watchdogs uncovered waits of up to ten hours for some patients.

Community Health Council officials visited 194 accident and emergency wards, including those at Oxford's John Radcliffe and Banbury's Horton hospitals, as part of a national survey on waiting times.

Among the problems during their visit to the John Radcliffe were a 73-year-old man who had spent ten hours on a trolley and two-hour waits for patients with minor injuries. In total, 15 people were waiting.

*A 73-year-old man who had collapsed was kept waiting at least ten hours on a trolley at the John Radcliffe

*All but one of the cubicles in the 'major injuries' wards were occupied, with patients in the 'minor' side experiencing a two hour wait

*Seven patients waiting in the 'conservatory area' of the department

*In total 15 patients were waiting in the department, with most seen, but six were still waiting to be seen.

Meanwhile, the Horton Hospital experienced waits of up to five hours for a man of 78 who had leg and facial injuries. In total, there were 11 people waiting when the CHC team visited. CHC chairman Tom Fellows said the John Radcliffe finished 15th worst in its survey.

But he added staff "The John Radcliffe was the hospital which was ranked 15th in the national survey of recorded longest trolley waits.

"In many respects this does not surprise the CHC since we know there are tremendous pressures on emergency services in Oxfordshire.

"Staff in that department "are doing a tremendous job whilst working in difficult circumstances".

The visit took place on Monday.

Story date: Friday 29 January

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