Devon hospital declares critical incident after seeing more than 300 patients in one day
Share:
A hospital in Devon has declared a critical incident after seeing more than 300 patients in one day. Derriford Hospital is facing extreme pressure following a high volume of patients who need medical attention. Hospital bosses said there was an influx of patients at the start of the week.
On Monday, the site welcomed more than 300 patients, with more than 200 being admitted as inpatients. The hospital has since urged people to only attend A&E if they are in serious condition. It comes after two hospitals in Hampshire declared critical incidents today. Similarly, Liverpool Royal Hospital also declared a critical incident over "exceptionally high" levels of flu.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust confirmed a high number of older patients struggled with respiratory issues at Derriford Hospital this week. It comes as temperatures continue to drop, with weather warnings for snow and ice announced across the country.
Derriford Hospital said: "Our colleagues are working hard to prioritise patients based on their clinical need and move patients to the right place for them as soon as possible. If you have a very serious or life-threatening emergency, we are here for you, but otherwise, if you need urgent care, we ask you please to call NHS 111 or use NHS 111 online.".
Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, stressed that the "sickest patients" must be "prioritised". He said: "Our Emergency Department is there for life-threatening conditions and real emergencies. If you can use other services, such as NHS 111, pharmacy or your GP, please do so.
