University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is postponing all non-urgent surgical operations at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) from today Monday 11th January.
The Trust is reluctantly postponing appointments for planned non-urgent surgical procedures (operations at the hospital) due to the current pressure facing the hospital, and in particular the Intensive Care Unit, because of increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19.
A similar measure was put in place at Furness General Hospital at the end of last week.
Outpatient appointments will be unaffected, as will appointments for patients who require clinically urgent operations or procedures, such as surgery as part of their cancer treatment.
Dr Shahedal Bari, Medical Director, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we take this action as we know that many people have waited patiently for their appointments following the postponement of some services at the start of the pandemic. However, it is essential that we ensure we have the right amount of beds and staff to safely care for our sickest patients.
"It isn't a decision we have taken lightly and we apologise to all those affected. Our clinical teams are currently reviewing all patients awaiting a non-urgent procedure to assess whether the risk is greater to those people if their appointment is postponed.
"If we do need to postpone your appointment, we will contact you directly. If you are not contacted and have an appointment with us for a procedure, operation or outpatient appointment, please do keep it. We have put a number of measures into place to ensure that our services are safe so please do keep your appointments, unless we contact you.
"We will reschedule the appointments we postpone as soon as we are able to do so whilst keeping those patients that need critical care safe."
"Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of coronavirus such as a persistent cough, a fever or a loss or change in your taste or smell, but stay at home.”
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
