A Merseyside NHS trust has been criticised by a health watchdog for compromising patient's privacy.

The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) singled out the A&E department of the Royal Liverpool Hospital as an "area of concern".

The casualty's patient waiting area was described as an "unofficial thoroughfare" in the report.

The CHI said extreme pressure on resources was the chief cause of the problem, but also stated "staff are committed to providing high standards of care".

'Security' concerns

An action plan is now being developed by the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital.

The CHI also raised concerns about security for both staff and patients at both the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen hospitals.

Peter Homa, CHI chief executive, said: "The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospitals NHS Trust has developed areas of good practice across the trust.

"However, it does have further work to do to ensure the quality of patient care improves."