Furness General Hospital in Barrow is at the highest level of alert.
Health bosses said the hospital was seeing high demand and was under increased pressure.
Escalating the situation to Opel Level 4 means the hospital can take additional steps to maintain safe services for patients and help it cope with the significant and growing demand.
University Hospitals of Morecambe NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “The level of patient acuity is high, we have beds closed due to the norovirus outbreak on ward 7 and we are experiencing a reduced number of discharges and step downs to virtual wards that helps with patient flow.
“The safety of our patients and colleagues is vital; and the decision to declare Opel 4 acknowledges that we are at a point where we cannot continue in the way we are due to the increased risk of harm. ”
Its Royal Lancaster Infirmary is also operating with some pressures.
It said it was taking immediate action, including:
- Using all alternative options to the Emergency Department
- Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities and expediting discharges where possible
- Acute Medical Unit, frailty and medical colleagues reviewing patients with a discharge ready date to see if these can be safely brought forward
- Cancellation of non-essential meetings/activities by all divisions in order to redirect clinician time to patient-facing activities
- Seeking support from local partner organisations
It added: “Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them. If you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.
“The public can help us manage these periods of high demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies.”
If people are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care.
People are urged to turn up for scheduled appointments if they have not been contacted directly and call the number on appointment letters if they are no longer able to make their appointment so it can be reallocated to another patient.
