The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has issued an apology after an undercover Channel 4 documentary highlighted challenging conditions in its emergency care services.

Last night's Dispatches programme highlighted long waiting times, overcrowding, and a lack of privacy at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The Trust, also known as SaTH, admitted that some of the conditions shown did not reach their standards of care.

A spokesperson stated: "We want to apologise to those affected in the programme and to everyone in our communities who has been affected by long waiting times, overcrowding and a lack of privacy when accessing emergency care."

The Trust insisted that despite significant pressures, it is determined to make sure it "consistently delivers the care, compassion and dignity that it strives for".

The spokesperson added: "We understand our challenges and are investing in our services and making steady improvements as a Trust, as noted in our recent CQC report.

"However, there is still much more to do; we do not want to be in a position where we are caring for patients on corridors."

They also said: "We are very sorry that our patients have experienced anything less than the quality care we strive for, and we are determined, working with partners, to improve the care and experience for everyone.

"We are continuing to do everything possible to support the privacy, dignity and wellbeing of our patients, and have adapted the way we deliver care in our urgent and emergency care services by investing in additional staffing, screens, cleaning and catering."

However, they admitted there is still work to be done.

The statement also expressed gratitude to the hospital staff for maintaining safe services despite the difficult work environment.

It thanked patients for their support and understanding during this time.

The statement also comes with reassurances that the Trust's Emergency Departments are open and safety is their top priority.

Communities are reminded to choose the right service for their needs to help reduce waiting times for critical care.

The role of families and carers in supporting clinical teams was also acknowledged.

The spokesperson said: "Families, and carers can also support our clinical teams by having early conversations about any support you may need so we can help ensure your relative is discharged when they are clinically ready to leave hospital."

The trust promised to fully explore all feedback and incorporate it into its improvement work.

Addressing patients who might be concerned after watching the documentary, the spokesperson urged them to reach out: "If you are worried about anything you have seen in the programme, or have questions or concerns about the treatment you, or a family member, have received please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service who will do their best to support you."

The Trust outlined several plans that they are making to improve, including recruitment of housekeepers, additional staffing, improving nutrition and hydration needs of patients, promotion of good infection prevention practices, and plans to improve the comfort and experience of the waiting areas.

The spokesperson also explained that it has invested in more modern digital systems in emergency departments, to help monitor the patients who are waiting.

They have also made a Trustwide commitment to improving urgent and emergency care.

The spokesperson concluded: "We are open to learning and feedback and are continuing to work with national experts who are working in our departments, exploring all opportunities to improve flow through, and out of our hospitals".