A staggering increase in the workload of the St. Helier hospital Accident and Emergency Department, during the hot weather, has again challenged the case for closure of this important facility.

The hot weather has led to the busiest July in six years at St Helier and Epsom’s Accident and Emergency departments.

The threatened A&E departments saw an increase of 19 per cent – which is around 1,420 extra patients between July 1 and 22.

Overall 8,917 patients were seen during that period compared to 7,496 in 2008.

An average of 405 patients came in to A&E each day and on July 15 a staggering 468 patients attended A&E.

Our photo above shows Heather and Richard at St. Helier hospital protesting against the closure of the A & E and maternity departments.