A surge of patients at the accident and emergency department of Margate's Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital forced staff to call in Red Cross volunteers last week, it has been revealed.

But the hospital say the helpers were taken on to observe and support only and did not treat any patients.

The East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for QEQM, has been placed into special measures because of “serious failures in patient safety and leadership”.

Trust spokesman Matt Hogg said: “Last week, a surge of patients attending our QEQM accident and emergency department meant that there were at times up to 37 per cent more patients than we would expect at that time.

"To ensure the comfort and care of patients, we asked the Red Cross to help with refreshments, conversation and reassuring patients.

"They were not asked to help with treating patients.

"This collaboration was part of a growing relationship we have with professional volunteers like the Red Cross to support our hospitals.”