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."
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
