A SURGE in emergency cases has been reported by staff working at Princess Margaret Hospital's Accident and Emergency department.

According to the latest figures, admissions were seven per cent higher during April and May, compared with the same period last year.

This is the equivalent of 211 extra cases, more than three extra patients a day and there is no sign of the pressure easing off.

Hospital spokesman Chris Birdsall said: "There has been a noticeable rise in emergency cases this year.

"When we have large numbers of A&E cases, it puts the whole system under pressure. Obviously we can't turn them away.

"It has been a real challenge to meet the Government's targets, but we have been able to ensure that we have no patients waiting more than 15 months for elective surgery. This is a tribute to the dedication of our staff."

PMH is not alone in experiencing an influx of patients.

The figures have risen steadily since the beginning of the year, when staff at the hospital would have expected the number of admissions to tail off.

Teresa Cash, communications officer for the Strategic Health Authority covering Avon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, confirmed that the problem was widespread.

She said: "It would seem that A&E departments have seen a dramatic rise in the number of patients being admitted. A number of hospitals in area are very busy.

"No one is quite sure why this is happening."

The upward trend in admissions has been replicated across the West.

The Royal United Hospital in Bath has reported the highest number of emergency admissions for two years, with staff having to work flat out to maintain a service.

And Weston Hospital in Weston-super-Mare has warned that the problem is so bad that it will no longer be able to provide appropriate care after reporting a 14 per cent increase in admissions compared to last year.