Health chiefs in South Cumbria have been forced to declare its highest level of alert at Furness General Hospital in Barrow.
The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust said increasing demand at the hospital meant it was now at OPEL 4.
By declaring OPEL 4, it allows health bosses to take additional steps to maintain safe services for patients and cope with the growing demands.
It is usually used by health trusts as a last resort.
It said: “Declaring OPEL 4 enables us to bring all our partners in Lancashire and South Cumbria together to focus on one thing – the safe and timely care of all of our patients.
“As always, patient safety must take priority and we need to take action to make sure that those who are more clinically urgent get the help they need as quickly as possible.
“Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services
remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.”
It said it was:
- Using all alternative options to the emergency department, including Same Day Emergency Care, Surgical Emergency Ambulatory Care, the Gynaecology Assessment Unit, and the Priority Admission Discharge Unit
- Its community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities
- Cancelling non-essential meetings/activities in order to redirect clinician time to patient facing activities
- Seeking support from local place-based partners and Integrated Care Board systems
What should patients do?
If you are not contacted directly, continue to turn up for your appointment.
Contact the number on your appointment letter if you are no longer able to make your appointment so it can be reallocated to another patient.
The trust added: “The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies.
“If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs.”
