A hospital trust in Peterborough has declared a “critical internal incident” as a result of high demand for emergency services.
Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust described the level of demand as “unprecedented” and urged patients to use other NHS services before arriving at A&E.
The trust added that the incident was declared after “an extremely busy festive period” and as a result, patients are experiencing “significant delays” due to a lack of beds.
A hospital trust in Peterborough has declared a “critical internal incident” as a result of high demand for emergency services.
Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust described the level of demand as “unprecedented” and urged patients to use other NHS services before arriving at A&E.
The trust added that the incident was declared after “an extremely busy festive period” and as a result, patients are experiencing “significant delays” due to a lack of beds.
Dr Andrew Cope, emergency department consultant, said: “We are doing all we can to ensure patients do not have to wait any longer than is necessary, but this is being hampered by the larger than usual volume of people needing hospital care at present.”
He added that the hospital has called in more staff to assess patients and support ward teams in discharging patients.
But he said the hospital is “bracing” for a “challenging first week of the new year”.
He added: “Regionally, other hospitals are also under significant pressure so we would ask that people only attend their local Emergency Department for critical situations, such as choking, chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe blood loss, broken bones or trauma, difficulty breathing, deep wounds or suspected stroke.”
For non-urgent situations, such as x-rays, wounds, bites and sprains, Cope advised patients to attend the Minor Illness and Injuries Unit or seek help and advice from NHS 111, the local pharmacy or GP.
