Pictured: Ambulances forced to queue and patients lined-up in corridors at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital

Once inside, there is another wait in the corridor as paramedics line up patients ready to be admitted for treatment.

This was the situation at the PRH yesterday. At one point the hospital went to a level four level of alert because of the numbers visiting its emergency department.

One paramedic said there were nine patients in the corridor awaiting treatment.

With about eight ambulances and paramedic cars lined up outside, the knock-on effect is that paramedic emergency calls are becoming more difficult to attend promptly.

The ambulance worker, who wished not to be named, said he had never seen the hospital's emergency department so busy.

He said: "We had nine patients in the A&E corridor and all GP patients that should be seen in an acute medical unit were sitting in the A&E corridor and were being assessed in the department's doctor seminar room.

"This cannot go on any longer as someone will suffer from this."

He praised staff within A&E for doing their best in a difficult situation and for acting professionally at all times.

But he added: "The nurses at the accident and emergency department were run ragged and it was not staffed safely.

"When the ambulances are at PRH queuing, who is responding to the 999 calls in Telford and Newport?"

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust revealed yesterday that it was experiencing unprecedented demand.

Debbie Kadum, chief operating officer at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "The trust is seeing unprecedented volumes of very poorly patients attending our A&E departments. In line with the rest of the NHS, over Easter we have seen higher levels of demand than previous Easters and this has been challenging for everybody.

"As we have previously stated, the trust has invested in a 40 per cent increase in the number of A&E cubicles within the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford going into this winter. This has not been enough. As a consequence some of our patients have had to be managed in designated escalation areas. We apologise to any patients who have experienced prolonged waits in these areas.

"We know that many people see A&E as the best option if they feel ill or if they have suffered injury, but many conditions can be treated using alternative local services. This is better for the patient, as they could avoid what can be a stressful visit to hospital and a potentially lengthy wait.

"GP practices can give you general medical advice and care, including prescriptions. When your practice is closed you can contact Shropdoc, the out of hours service, on 0333 222 66 55.

"Pharmacies are experts in medicines and will use their clinical expertise, together with their practical knowledge, to advise you on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.

"NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it's not a 999 emergency.

"As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries."

Simon Wright, trust chief executive, said: "The trust, ambulance service, community teams and our commissioners continue to work closely to manage the unprecedented demand we are seeing.

"Our staff are working incredibly hard to manage the demand. We apologise for any delays that patients may be experiencing.

In the four days over the Easter bank holiday weekend, 1,404 people attended the PRH and Shrewsbury Royal Hospital – an average of 351 people per day.

The trust is taking steps to reduce pressure by using staff who are specialists in helping patients get discharged and then supporting them at home to prevent them having to come into hospital again.

It has also repeatedly urged people to avoid using A&E by attending minor injury units, calling NHS 111 or seeking advice from a pharmacist.

The level four alert, also known as a black escalation status, means there is severe pressure on services.

SaTH said the level four alert was only given for a period of time yesterday, and added that it was reduced to a level three alert later in the day.