Lancaster Infirmary warns of pressures on services

The trust which runs the Royal Lancaster Infirmary said it has taken action after "significant and growing demand"

The trust that runs the Royal Lancaster Infirmary said it remains at the highest level of alert due to "significant and growing demand".

The hospital said it was "unable to deliver comprehensive care", putting patient safety at risk and had been escalated to Level 4 on the system the NHS uses to grade demand.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust first warned of "stress, demand and pressure" at the hospital on Monday.

Measures were being taken, including cancelling non-essential meetings to redirect clinicians' time to helping patients, and using alternative options to the Emergency Department.

Patients were advised to continue to turn up to appointments unless contacted directly and to only attend A&E for serious accidents and emergencies

"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," a spokesman said.

"So if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward."