It was noted at the Nottingham University Hospital (NUH) that people were treated within the Government's four-hour target in A&E.

Management consultants, Dearden Consulting, found that this has been happening for four years now. Staff however felt being under pressure of meeting the target but added that hope they were following correct procedure while treating people.

According to the Government target about 98 per cent of patients should be seen and admitted if needed to a ward or discharged within four hours after arriving at A&E.

Reports stated that at the Nottingham University Hospital these targets were not being met. The staff was seeing around 97 per cent of patients within the time.

Experts have criticized the NHS targets as they feel that by following these guidelines patient care is hampered. About 1,200 patients had died at the Stafford Hospital and pressure to meet the four-hour A&E target was partly blamed for it.

The investigation into the case stated that patient care was not compromised. An internal audit was ordered after managers at the trust found that patients' discharge times were being inaccurately recorded.

Strategic Health Authority ordered a second investigation by Dearden Consulting. It was found post audit that back-timing happened almost 1,900 times between April 2008 and August 2009.

Trust chief executive Peter Homa said, "Staff always ensured patients received appropriate and timely care. Indeed the report commends emergency department staff for the excellent patient care they provide."