Warrington Hospital A&E Department Enter & View report
Here you go, Dave — a clear, website-ready summary that reflects the Enter & View findings accurately, stays grounded in evidence, and reads as human rather than “reporty”. I’ve pitched it perfectly for a Reports / Enter & Viewwebpage section.
Warrington & Halton Hospital A&E – Enter & View Summary
Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton carried out a joint Enter & View visit to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at Warrington and Halton Hospital on 29 October 2025. The visit was announced and took place over four hours, with authorised Healthwatch representatives observing the environment, patient flow and facilities, and speaking directly with patients and relatives about their experiences.
What we heard worked well
Many patients and relatives spoke positively about individual staff, describing them as kind, professional and hardworking, particularly during daytime shifts. Triage was often reported to be quick and well-managed, and some patients felt listened to once they were seen by clinical staff. Where care was delivered in clinical areas rather than corridors, people described good support and reassurance from nursing staff.
Pressures and challenges identified
The visit took place during a period of sustained operational pressure, with high patient numbers and limited space throughout the department. A significant number of patients were being cared for in corridors due to bed shortages elsewhere in the hospital. While staff were present and working hard, corridor care raised concerns around privacy, dignity, comfort and safety, including the lack of call bells, bedside tables, oxygen points and space for relatives.
Communication and waiting times
Long waits were a dominant theme. Many patients reported being triaged promptly but then waiting many hours, and in some cases over 24 hours, to see a doctor or be admitted. Communication during these waits was inconsistent. Patients and relatives often said they were not kept updated, were unclear about next steps, or received conflicting information from different staff members. There was no visible display of expected waiting times, and the patient-calling and information screen was not working during the visit.
Pain relief, comfort and basic needs
Some patients reported delays in receiving pain relief, particularly overnight, or were unaware that pain medication needed to be actively requested. Access to water, hot drinks and food was variable, especially for those waiting for long periods. Patients in corridor beds were particularly affected, with limited access to basic comfort measures.
Environment, access and facilities
The A&E department is housed in an older building that is not well suited to current levels of demand. Seating was limited, some chairs were out of use, and toilet facilities were under pressure. Parking was repeatedly raised as a difficulty for patients and families. The identified “quiet space” for people with sensory needs or distress was not fit for purpose and offered little privacy or comfort.
Overall picture
The Enter & View visit highlighted a department under significant strain, where committed staff are doing their best in challenging circumstances. While individual care and professionalism were frequently praised, the physical environment, communication during long waits, and the use of corridor care had a clear impact on patient experience. The findings point to system-level pressures rather than failures of staff effort or compassion.
Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton have shared the full report, findings and recommendations with the Trust, the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England, and will continue to use this evidence to support improvement discussions focused on dignity, communication and patient safety.
Trust response
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust thanked Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton for carrying out the Enter & View visit and for sharing patient and relative feedback. The Trust acknowledged the significant pressures facing the A&E department at the time of the visit, including high demand and challenges with patient flow. It recognised the issues raised around waiting times, corridor care and communication, and confirmed that work is ongoing to improve patient experience while continuing to value and share the positive feedback about staff professionalism and compassion.
