The Trust that runs the Royal Lancaster Infirmary says it's taking additional steps to maintain safe services and cope with growing demands.
It's raised its internal response, known as Operations Pressure Escalation Levels (Opel ) to Level 4, due to pressures being faced.
Hospital bosses say that patients should turn up for pre booked appointments as normal unless they are contacted, and should also ensure they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies.
In a statement, the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘’ The level of patient acuity is high and we are experiencing a reduced number of discharges and step downs to virtual wards to help with patient flow.
‘’The safety of our patients and colleagues is vital; and the decision to declare OPEL 4 at RLI acknowledges that we were at a point where we cannot continue in the way we are due to the increased risk of harm.
‘’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.
‘’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.
‘’If you are not contacted directly, please 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.
‘’Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.’’
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
