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."
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
More gridlocks in Heysham as roundabout resurfacing works 'over-run'
