One in five patients are waiting more than four hours to be treated at Watford’s accident and emergency department.

According to national targets, the vast majority of patients – 95 per cent –  should be admitted, treated or discharged within four hours of their arrival at an A&E department.

But data highlighted to the board or the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group last Thursday shows that Watford General Hospital has been failing to meet the target.

It shows that in October just 84.5 per cent of patients were treated within four hours, which was an improvement on the 79.8 per cent recorded in September.

And the latest available data, for November, shows a slump to 79.6 per cent – meaning just four out of five patients are seen within four hours.

No patient, however, according to the data, had had to wait more than 12 hours.

According to the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust, which runs Watford General Hospital, the waiting times reflect the significant increase in the number of patients presenting at A&E.

The trust’s director of performance Jane Shentall – who says A&E staff do a “brilliant job” – has urged patients to remember that A&E is for the most serious or life-threatening cases.

She said: “Our A&E has seen an increasingly significant rise in demand for emergency care which is reflected in our performance figures.

“We treated around 2,500 more people in A&E during September, October and November 2018 than we did at the same time in 2017.

“Behind the figures it’s important to note that the staff at West Herts are doing an absolutely brilliant job and are working very hard to ensure the safety and comfort of our patients.

“Patients receive antibiotics, fluids and pain relief within a few minutes of arrival by ambulance and are clinically assessed and prioritised so that those with the most serious conditions are seen immediately.

“Please remember that A&E is only for those with the most serious or life-threatening cases.”

Mrs Shentall says any patients who are unsure where to seek medical help should call 111, where advisors can direct patients to alternative services or arrange out-of-hours appointments.