Big increase in people going to A&E in Cumbria
Health bosses are urging people to only go if you have to
Accident & Emergency departments in north Cumbria are seeing a significant increase in the numbers of people accessing services.
The A&E departments at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital are seeing up to two thirds more people than normal.
Dr Emma Farrow, A&E consultant said:
“This week in particular we have seen a rise in the numbers of people coming to A&E at the Cumberland infirmary and the West Cumberland Hospital. At times there have been nearly 200 people waiting between both sites.
"Once you have been seen, those who need to be admitted are experiencing very long waits for a bed because of the number of people already in hospital. Our priority is always patient safety and we monitor everyone in the departments closely.
“We always prioritise those who are in the most need and those with life threatening conditions. If you or someone you know, needs urgent help, may be suffering a heart attack or stroke, or is in a life threatening situation always call come to A&E or call 999.”
“However, If you have an issue that is not life threatening or serious then you will need to wait a number of hours to be seen. There are lots of other options available for if you have an urgent healthcare need, including 111 online, pharmacy, or your GP. You can also access our urgent treatment centres in Penrith or Keswick.”
This pressure is expected to increase further during the industrial action next week.
Dr Adrian Clements, executive medical director explained:
“We are putting plans in place to make sure that services can continue safely during the industrial action. We will need to stand down some planned appointments and procedures but we will contact anyone who is affected by this directly.
"It is very important that you attend any appointment you have unless we contact you to say otherwise.”