Bosses at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary say they’re seeing unprecedented demand on their accident and emergency services.
The RLI has been escalated to Opel Level 4 on the system the NHS uses to grade demand, which means patient safety could be compromised.
Last week, there were 1,391 attendances at the emergency department, which the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust said was the highest number on record, and more than at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 80 patients were seen in the emergency department on Monday and Tuesday which was not a safe situation.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "The safety of our patients and colleagues is vital; and the decision to declare OPEL 4 acknowledges 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," it said.
The trust said they had taken immediate action to cope with demand, including:
- Utilising all alternative options to the emergency department, including same-day emergency care and the priority admission discharge unit
- Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities
- Cancelling non-essential meetings/activities to redirect clinician time to patient facing activities
- Seeking support from local partners and the integrated care board
Patients should still turn up for appointments unless they have been contacted directly.
UPDATE: On Thursday December 5, a University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: "While we remain under pressure, we have taken the decision to de-escalate back to Operations Pressure Escalation Level (OPEL) 3. This decision was made because the pressure at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary has reduced to a level which, while still significant, does not meet the national OPEL 4 criteria.
"We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding, and our colleagues who have been under significant pressure during this period."
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
