It is alarming to hear of patients waiting for hours to get into accident and emergency departments.

As the title suggests, for those admitted to the department, they need urgent help.

There is no denying many NHS trusts are facing some of the most difficult times in their history – and headlines such as these appear more and more often.

They have a monumental job on their hands, often with dwindling resources. However, they must do all they can to make sure those who need urgent medical care get it instantly.

We can also do our bit to help. Too many of us take ourselves to A&E with injuries, illnesses and complaints that can be dealt with elsewhere.

We need to be considerate of those truly in need of emergency attention.

There is also a knock-on impact on the ambulance crews who are left sitting outside hospitals with patients.

They are needed back out on the road as soon as possible to continue with their job.

So while those in charge of the hospital trusts and ambulance services need to come together and sort out the problem, we can all do our bit.