Almost two-thirds of hospitals have been on emergency alert over the last five years, according to a survey by the Liberal Democrats.

Half of hospitals surveyed will cancel or delay elective surgery when on emergency alert, while over a third will delay patient treatment and almost a quarter will divert patients to other hospitals.

The figures differ around the country, with six hospitals on black or red alert for over 350 days in the last five years, and some going on alert over 100 times each year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said:

"These figures are a damning indictment of Labour’s target-obsessed culture. Despite pouring record sums into the NHS over the past five years, over half of hospitals have found themselves on emergency alert.

"Many hospitals are under intolerable pressure, putting a massive strain on staff and compromising patient care.

"There must be a thorough review of bed capacity in both acute and community hospitals. Local people must be able to secure sufficient bed numbers to meet local needs."