UK hospital declares vital incident over ‘exceptionally excessive’ virus instances
Liverpool Royal Hospital has told people to visit their GPs or call 111 unless it is a medical emergency amid high numbers visiting its A&E department as they get overwhelmed with virus illnesses
“Exceptionally high” levels of flu have triggered a critical incident at Liverpool Royal Hospital, with locals told to only attend in real emergencies. The hospital advised patients to call their GPs or dial 111 when it isn’t life threatening.
Earlier this week, the Liverpool Echo reports.
A representative from the University Hospitals of Liverpool NHS Foundation Trust said: “Given the exceptionally high demands on our emergency department, especially with flu and respiratory illnesses, and the number of patients we have taken this action to support the safe care and treatment of our patients, which is our absolute priority.”
Figures from health surveillance programmes show 4,500 Brits were hospitalised with the flu every day last week, up 3.5 times compared to the same week last year. And a total of 211 virus-stricken patients were being treated in critical care last week, up 69% on the week before.
A was provided by healthcare professionals, stating: “Colleagues are working incredibly hard to treat people as quickly as possible, however some people will experience longer waits while we treat our sickest patients. If it is not a medical emergency please consider using other services, such as your GP, local pharmacy or walk-in centre. The NHS 111 service can be used to help identify the most appropriate service for you and help avoid long waits.”, reports the Mirror.
The spokesperson continued: “Thanks to the extraordinary measures we have taken and the hard work of our teams over the last 48 hours, we are now able to step down from Critical Incident to Business Continuity – which ensures we can continue to take the necessary steps to support patient care. Our services however remain very busy, and work continues to address the ongoing challenges we are seeing across our East Surrey site from winter viruses and increased demand.”
Further advice was given urging the public to be mindful of urgent medical resources: “We therefore continue to ask the public to consider the best NHS service for their needs – using 111, pharmacies, GPs and urgent treatment centres or minor injury units for non-urgent medical help, and only attending the Emergency Department if you are seriously ill or your condition is life-threatening.”
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