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 to the highest level, ‘Opel 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: ‘’Declaring OPEL 4 enables us to bring all our partners in Lancashire and South Cumbria together to focus on one thing - the safe and timely care of all of our patients.
‘’As always, patient safety must take priority and we need to take action to make sure that those who are more clinically urgent get the help they need as quickly as possible.
‘’There are some immediate actions being taken by Trust teams and our partners, including utilising all alternative options to the emergency department, community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities, the cancellation of non-essential meetings and activities in order to redirect clinician time to patient facing activities, and seeking support from local place-based partners and Integrated Care Board system.
‘’If you are not contacted directly, please continue to turn up for your appointment. Please also 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.
‘’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.
‘’If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs.’’
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