Derriford Hospital has declared a critical incident as of 8.30am today, January 7, due to a significant and increasing demand for hospital care.
Over 300 people visited Derriford Hospital yesterday (Monday, January 6) with over 200 of those being admitted as inpatients, a much higher number than normal.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said that a high number of older patients had respiratory issues. It is thought that the current cold weather is exacerbating health issues for the elderly and vulnerable.
Patients have been asked to avoid visiting Derriford Hospital Emergency Department unless they have a life-threatening condition. During the critical incident, patients may be directed away from the Emergency Department to other healthcare services.
The message for patients 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.”
If you have a medical problem that is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 by phone or online. Only visit the Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency, the Urgent Treatment Centre at the Cumberland Centre in Devonport is open to help with urgent treatment that is not life-threatening.
Emergency dental care should go through your usual dentist, or you can contact NHS 111 for out-of-hours help. If you are otherwise unwell with the flu or have norovirus symptoms you should also stay at home to avoid spreading the illness to vulnerable patients and care home residents.
Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, 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. If you do come to the Emergency Department and it is not an emergency or a life-threatening condition, then you may be redirected.
“It’s really important we make sure that the sickest patients are prioritised and that we keep our services flowing for those who are in greatest need. Therefore, we ask that at this time unless you are a carer or if the patient who is coming to the hospital is particularly distressed, that those who accompany patients do not to come into the Emergency Department. We need the seating spaces for patients to sit down and be comfortable.
“We ask that patients, visitors and families be kind to one another and continue to treat staff with respect during this extremely busy period.”
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, with much of Devon expected to be hit with sleet and snow. The warning is in place from 9am until 11.59pm tomorrow. Temperatures will remain low for much of the day, and widespread disruption is expected.
PlymouthLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we’ll send the latest breaking news and biggest stories of the day straight to your phone.
To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.