£10,000 for those who still perform

But figures out this week show that overall the Trust, which is also responsible for Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale hospitals, was found to be the worst performing in the Greater Manchester area when it came to tackling waiting times in accident and emergency departments.

Just under 92 per cent of patients were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours in the week ending March 30. This is compared to 96 per cent of patients of the South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust and 98 per cent at Salford NHS Trust. The Government target is set at 90 per cent.

The figures for all hospitals within the Greater Manchester area show a improvement compared to the same week last year when only 78.8 per cent of patients were treated within four hours.

Neil Goodwin, chief executive of Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority, said: "I want to thank all the staff for all the hard work and commitment that has gone into meeting this target so that patients do not have to wait longer than absolutely necessary in accident and emergency. It is a clear demonstration that to really improve the NHS for patients, we need not just extra cash, but new ways of working."

Bridget Smith, a former senior nurse, is the assistant director responsible for emergency care at the strategic health authority, said: "There have been a number of ways in which the NHS has managed to deliver the improvement.

"For example, some hospitals are now using family doctors in accident and emergency departments to deal with patients who really need primary care rather than emergency care. There is a new patient bureau at the ambulance service to ensure that ambulances are on hand to transfer patients without them having to wait a long time."

The strategic health authority has also launched an incentive scheme for trusts which means they have the chance to get an extra £10,000 a week in April, May and June, if their performance is maintained.