Hospital at highest alert level over A&E demand

The trust which runs Lancaster Royal Infirmary says it has taken action after "unprecedented" demand

A hospital has said it is seeing the highest level of pressure on its services as it faces "unprecedented" demand at A&E, with ambulances left queuing outside.

Royal Lancaster Infirmary has been escalated to Level 4 on the system the NHS uses to grade demand, which means patient safety could be compromised.

There were 1,391 attendances at the emergency department which the trust said was "the highest number on record", more than at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust said more than 80 patients were seen in the emergency department on Monday and Tuesday which was "not a safe situation".

The trust, which said the hospital remains fully open, added: "The safety of our patients and colleagues is vital; and the decision to declare OPEL 4 acknowledges we were at a point where we cannot continue in the way we are due to the increased risk of harm."

Operational Pressures Escalation Level (OPEL) 4 means a hospital is "unable to deliver comprehensive care" and patient safety may be compromised.

The trust said it had taken immediate action to cope with the "significant and growing demand", including:

• Utilising all alternative options to the emergency department, including same-day emergency care and the priority admission discharge unit

• Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities

• Cancelling non-essential meetings/activities to redirect clinician time to patient facing activities

• Seeking support from local partners and the integrated care board

The trust said patients should still turn up for appointments unless they have been contacted directly.

"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.

The news comes as the preferred site for the replacement of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary was revealed on Monday.

The trust said the new hospital at Bailrigg East would enable it to address the "significant problems" with the current ageing buildings.