07 January 2025 , 11:52
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Liverpool Royal Hospital has declared a critical incident amid high flu levels to "support the safe care and treatment of patients" as it works with support organisations.
"Exceptionally high" levels of flu have caused a hospital to declare a critical incident, as patients are urged to stay away unless it is an emergency.
Liverpool Royal Hospital has told people to visit their GPs or call 111 amid high numbers visiting its A&E department, unless it is a medical emergency. On Monday, the hospital declared a ’full capacity’ emergency after some patients were found to waited as long as 91 hours in A&E before being treated.
This has now been upgraded to a critical incident, which is implemented when when the level of disruption results in the organisation losing its ability to deliver critical services, Liverpool Echo reported.
A spokesperson for the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, which oversees the running of the Royal, 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.
“We have a comprehensive plan in place and are taking all the necessary actions to manage the challenging circumstances facing patients and colleagues currently. We are working with partner organisations to ensure those that are medically fit can leave hospital safely and at the earliest opportunity.
“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."
Last week, a critical incident was declared at East Surrey Hospital to ensure emergency care is available for those who need it most. It was later stood down after "a significant amount of work" by the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
A spokesman updated: "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.
“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.”