There has been a large increase in the number of people waiting longer at an NHS trust's accident and emergency units.

But the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust says the rise in people waiting at its hospitals is because it now runs Barnet Hospital's unit as well as its previous Hampstead site.

The trust took over Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital in July 2014, and insists it has met government targets.

A total of 2,572 people had to wait longer than four hours in A&E at the Royal Free NHS Trust during July to September this year, an increase of 1,858 compared to the same period last year.

Figures show that 1,228 patients also had to wait longer than four hours on a trolley in A&E before they were admitted into hospital, an increase of 710 more than last year.

The trust says the increases are down to the fact that it is now responsible for Barnet Hospital's A&E unit.

Andrew Dismore, London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, said: “Whilst these figures throw a poor light on Royal Free it could well be down to the inherited problems from Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals, which they took over in the summer.

“However, whatever the cause, these figures are worrying and reveal the strain to which our A&E departments are exposed due to the mismanagement of the NHS by the Conservatives.”

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer said: “Anyone who has to wait longer than the ideal time is one too many. It should be remembered that the Royal Free Hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in the country.

“As well as coping with increased demand in general, hospitals across the UK are seeing the impact of Labour's GP contract driving people from their GP to the doors of the A&E.”

In a statement, a Royal Free NHS Trust spokeswoman said: "In July 2014 the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust acquired Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital.

The figures for July – September 2013 include only patients seen at the A&E at the Royal Free Hospital. However, the figures for July – September 2014 include those seen at the A&E departments at the Royal Free Hospital and at Barnet Hospital.

During this quarter, and the corresponding quarter last year, the trust met the Government’s target of seeing 95 per cent of all A&E patients within four hours. In total 96 per cent of patients were seen within four hours from July to September 2014."