Senior medical staff at the centre of the accident and emergency crisis at Royal Sussex County Hospital have spoken for the first time about working in the centre of the storm.

Emergency medicine consultant Paul Wallman said reports of the problems were “quite accurate”.

He added: “Sometimes we have had patients in corridors.

“There's a point at which being able to do your job tips into not being able to do it. We have been pushed to that point many times over the winter months.”

Registrar Nick Bagley said his work had been “quite difficult”, adding: “When you feel like you are trying to juggle what you need to do, that's when it becomes frustrating.”

Emergency department matron Jo Wailling was appointed in January, when it “got quite tough”.

She said: “It's been extremely challenging and very difficult for the whole team. They have just done their best to make sure people are given the best care the staff can give.

“At its worst the entrance was full of patients and trolleys, absolutely rammed.”

Now experienced nursing staff from around the country have been hired for the department and from this month there will also be a senior nurse to work with consultants and rapidly assess patients.

A touch screen whiteboard system has been installed in the department and a discharge team is working to help get people home with the right support in place.

Over the past month Dr Wallman said there have been “significant improvements”. In the darkest times it was all hands on deck and little time was being committed to the student doctors and nurses.

He said: “We’re actually able to teach again - we're getting back to normal.”

The reasons behind the problems are numerous and complex, including large numbers of elderly patients who recover slowly.

Dr Wallman said: “We also have a big cancer centre so people come in with complications from cancer therapy.

“And what happens in West Street just tips over into here. We get a lot of problems with drugs and alcohol. When they are ill people feel safe in A&E. We don't want inappropriate people turning up, but we are proud that we are who they turn to.”

He remains optimistic about the department's future.

He said: “If we get all of our ducks in a row, this could be the best emergency department in the country.”