Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has been performing above average for waiting times in A&E.

Data shows that in February 85.6 per cent of patients were treated within four hours - the national average for the month being 85 per cent.

This was an improvement from January when Lewisham and Greenwich's figure was 83.3 per cent and below the national average of 87 per cent.

Patients across the country have been waiting for treatment in A&E for longer than the national standard set by NHS England which requires 95 per cent to be dealt with in four hours.

Health chiefs at the Lewisham and Greenwich trust have highlighted the “significant pressures” placed on the health system as well as the “high demand” for services during the winter months as reasons for not meeting the national standard.

A spokeswoman for the trust, which provides services for University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich,  said: “The high demand for NHS services over winter is well documented, and there are significant pressures across the health and care system across south east London and beyond.

“Our staff have been working extremely hard to care for the high number of patients requiring hospital services and we would like to thank them for their ongoing commitment and dedication to patient care.”

The figures came in even lower for January this year, with only 83.3 per cent of patients being treated within the four hour period.

Concerns have also been raised that patients in Lewisham Hospital might also be affected by issues at at Kings College NHS Foundation Trust – which includes a £92.2 million deficit as well as having been placed in special measures since December.

At an overview and scrutiny meeting this month Councillor Alan Hall said: “Kings’ financial difficulties will impact on the wider health economy and it tends to affect Lewisham hospital and services in the long run.

“That is of huge concern to Lewisham, it’s a great concern to us as a borough.”