The trust in charge of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary says it will be strengthening services at the hospital to help meet increased demand this winter.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) said there will be a "comprehensive programme of measures" across both the RLI and Furness General in Barrow.
This includes additional beds, expanded clinical teams, extended opening hours and enhanced discharge services designed to ensure patients receive safe and timely care.
The trust is also increasing medical staffing across both hospital sites.
Opening hours are being extended for same-day emergency care services, with the Medical Same Day Emergency Care at RLI operating until midnight, seven days a week.
These services enable patients to receive specialist assessment and treatment without necessarily requiring admission to hospital.
Additional consultant and resident doctor support will provide more senior clinical decision-making in emergency departments.
Dr Helen Skinner, Chief Medical Officer for the trust, said this would help "patients receive assessments and treatment more quickly, reducing unnecessary admissions where appropriate and supporting faster discharge decisions".
For children and young people, additional senior paediatric cover will be available during peak evening periods, said the trust.
Dr Skinner said: "This is expected to support increased demand from winter respiratory illnesses, reduce waiting times and provide quicker access to specialist paediatric assessment."
The trust said that winter is traditionally one of the busiest periods for the NHS, with higher numbers of patients requiring urgent and emergency care due to seasonal illnesses, respiratory infections and colder weather.
Additional nursing teams are being introduced to further support patient care, improve flow through emergency departments and reduce the need for temporary measures during periods of exceptional pressure.
The trust said it is also strengthening arrangements to help patients leave hospital as soon as they are medically ready, with measures including enhanced weekend discharge coordination teams, extended Home First ambulance provision to support patients returning home and improved discharge planning to reduce delays and free up beds for those who need them most
These initiatives are designed to improve patient experience, enhance safety and ensure hospital capacity is available for the sickest patients throughout the winter months.
The trust has also encouraged local people to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and help NHS services remain available for those most in need, advising people eligible for a flu vaccination or a COVID-19 vaccination, to take up the offer as soon as possible to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission during winter.
Households are encouraged to keep a basic supply of medicines and healthcare essentials, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, indigestion remedies, oral rehydration products, plasters and basic first aid supplies, a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitiser.
Dr Skinner said: "By taking simple steps to stay well and using healthcare services appropriately, local communities can play an important role in helping the NHS provide safe and effective care for everyone this winter."
People should always follow the instructions provided with medicines and seek professional advice if they are unsure.
To help ensure patients receive the right treatment in the right place at the right time:
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Use NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent medical advice when it's not a life-threatening emergency.
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Visit your local pharmacy for expert advice and treatment for many common conditions.
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Contact your GP practice for ongoing or non-urgent health concerns.
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Use same-day emergency care services when referred by a healthcare professional.
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Attend Emergency Departments only for serious or life-threatening conditions, such as severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, suspected stroke, major trauma or significant bleeding.
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