The NHS in Cornwall has declared a system critical incident, citing “sustained pressure” experienced by the county’s main hospital and emergency department over the last week. NHS bosses made the declaration tonight (Friday, December 3) amid large numbers of both ambulances waiting outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital and patients in the emergency department.
Patients have been asked to only come to the emergency department if it is a “life or limb threatening” emergency, and those who can be helped at other medical services will be directed there, bosses have said. According to the Royal Cornwall Hospitals webpage, there is a wait of around four hours at the Truro hospital’s emergency department, with 79 patients in the department.
Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “We are currently seeing a high number of ambulances waiting outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital and of patients in our emergency department.
“There are also a large number of patients in Cornwall’s hospitals who are medically fit to be discharged but are awaiting the right care. Declaring a critical incident allows the NHS to take additional, immediate steps to create capacity, help discharge patients, relieve pressure on our emergency department and release ambulances and their crews.”
“We urgently need the public’s support to make sure we can see those who are sickest and have the greatest need.”
Ms Shields continued: “Families, friends and neighbours are urged to help us too by offering to support someone waiting for home care to leave hospital. We ask them to contact the ward directly if they can help in any way.”
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