Shocking footage shows terminally ill woman being forced to sleep in a corridor for more than 20 hours in 'war zone' hospital in Aintree (4 Pics)

SHOCKING pictures taken at an overflowing A&E department show how a terminally-ill woman was forced to sleep in the corridor alongside scores of other patients.

The family of an elderly woman suffering from terminal lung cancer say she’s been waiting in a corridor at Aintree University Hospital.

The woman, in her 70s, was brought to hospital yesterday evening after waiting several hours for an ambulance - but was then left waiting for a bed on a ward for over 20 hours.

Her family, who wish to remain anonymous, described the scene as “like a war zone” and said they were “disgusted” by the delays.

They said: “Her doctor called her an ambulance and she had to wait over six hours. When she got here she was taken to a corridor and given pain relief but she’s still waiting for a ward.

“I know the NHS is really struggling, but whatever the politics, this is just not right. It is disgusting. It looks like something you’d see in a war zone.”

The family, who are also dealing with the emotional news their relative is terminally ill, say the situation is “unacceptable”.

They added: “The doctors and nurses have been round and given her pain killers, but they’re getting quite a lot of backlash. It’s not their fault but give them their due they’re getting quite a lot of flack.

“They’re doing their best but it’s still not acceptable.”

Pictures taken by the family in order to bring the problem to light show a huge row of trolleys with patients on lining the corridor, which are believed to have been taken near the department.

The family do not wish to be named but have given their details to the ECHO in order to verify the information.

Bosses at Aintree University Hospital said they were currently struggling with high demand in an “incredibly busy time”.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “We have worked with health and social care partners to improve admission and discharge processes this year, however it remains very challenging, with large numbers of people attending the Emergency Department.

and described the scene as "like a warzone"

“This was a particularly busy time, when it can be difficult to admit patients from our Emergency Department to our wards. When demand is this high, patients sometimes wait longer than we would wish. All patients are given an initial review when their ambulance arrives, and treatment is provided on the basis of clinical need.

“Patients and their families have been very supportive of our staff and understand they are doing their best at an incredibly busy time. We are working very hard to minimise any delays and apologise for when they have occurred.”