A ‘SIGNIFICANT’ number of complaints has been made by patients about the cost of drinks at a East Lancashire's only A&E.

Concerns about the price of drinks at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital’s accident and emergency department were highlighted in a report.

The report by watchdog Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen recommended to the hospital to ensure that water was available for people in children’s A&E.

It also said an alternative vending machine with lower-priced drinks should be considered in the emergency department and urgent care centre.

The trust said the emergency department waiting area had three vending machines offering 17 hot drink options priced at £1.40, 16 cold drinks at £1.50 and numerous snacks with the majority priced at 80p or 90p.

The Healthwatch report said: “There was a significant number of complaints about the need to pay for drinks and high cost of drinks.

“Recommendations are to ensure water is available for people in children’s A&E and to consider an alternative vending machine with lower priced drinks.

“Eighty per cent of participants could access a drink easily and some commented about it being expensive. Eighteen per cent of people we spoke to could not access a drink easily when needed."

However, almost all patients asked said staff were very good or excellent, that patients and family members were treated with dignity and respect, and patients felt safe in the department.

The report reflects the views and experiences of adults, children and young people experiencing A&E at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, with Healthwatch’s engagement taking place over six months between August 2017 and February 2018.

Christine Pearson, director of nursing at the trust, said: “The trust has never received a complaint in respect of the price or availability of food and drink provided in our emergency department. Healthwatch commented that they always saw that water and juice were freely available in the children’s A&E and we make great effort to provide a wide choice of complimentary or affordable hot/cold drinks and snacks, 24 hours a day.”