Pictures show the ambulances queuing outside the A&E department today, Saturday, January 3
20:51, 03 Jan 2026Updated 22:34, 03 Jan 2026
North west ambulances queuing outside Whiston Hospital A&E department on Saturday(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A Merseyside hospital is experiencing “high demands” as ambulances queue outside its A&E department. The ECHO reported on Saturday that long queues of ambulances were waiting outside Whiston Hospital. It was contacted by a concerned member of the public who reported around 20 ambulances outside the hospital.
When the ECHO visited the hospital at around 2pm, 21 ambulances were queuing outside. Later, at around 4.30pm, more ambulances were counted queuing outside the A&E department at Whiston Hospital.
A spokesperson for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust told the Liverpool Echo after it asked for more information that it’s experiencing “very high levels” of demand this weekend following the Christmas break.
It said a number of winter viruses are circulating widely across the area which is having a “noticeable impact” on the number of people attending Whiston hospital meaning some patients are experiencing extremely long wait times.
Pictures show the long queue of ambulances stopped outside the hospital today. The ECHO understands these ambulances are queuing to access the A&E department.
In a statement a trust spokesperson said: “Like many hospitals across the country, we are experiencing very high levels of demand this weekend following the Christmas break.
‘Long’ queues of ambulances stopped outside Whiston Hospital today (Saturday)(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“A number of winter viruses are circulating widely across our community, and this is having a noticeable impact on the number of people attending our hospitals.
“This means that unfortunately, some patients are experiencing extremely long waits, as those who need our care most are seen in order of clinical priority.
“We are incredibly grateful to our staff, who continue to work exceptionally hard to care for patients during this busy period. We would also like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this time.”
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