Chiefs at West Middlesex Hospital in Isleworth have apologised for long waiting times in A&E over the holiday period and pleaded with patients to stay away unless they have a 'genuine emergency'.

December saw records being broken for daily attendances in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, as large numbers of patients were admitted suffering from illnesses such as chest infections. 

A spokesman for the Isleworth hospital described the level of admissions last month as 'well beyond all expectations'.

Deputy chief executive Alison McIntosh added: "This increased pressure has led to a few days where some patients have waited longer than usual and we would like to apologise for this. 

"All hospitals in the local area, and nationally, are experiencing a similar increase in A&E attendances and we are encouraging local people to only visit the A&E department if they have a genuine emergency or accident because of increased winter pressures on the service."

The A&E departments at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals also saw a huge rise in the number of children and adults arriving with respiratory problems over Christmas while a flu outbreak among staff compounded their problems.

Business centre manager for emergency services Jean Haire said: "It has been extremely busy and stressful and although we have been short staffed the care provided to patients and their relatives by our teams and the ambulance service has been exceptional.

"The nursing and medical staff within our emergency services area have worked very hard and should be proud that they have managed to provide a safe, efficient and caring service."