NHS Lothian hospital sector "pushed to it's limit"
NHS Lothian is asking the public for their help, warning it's facing "some of the mot significant pressures to date" with hospitals "stretched to capacity"
Last updated 15th Dec 2022
NHS Lothian has issued an appeal to the public, saying it's hospital sector is being pushed to it's limit.
Stating that the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, the Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People were all stretched to capacity, the health board say it's some of the most significant pressures to date.
A large number of people are still waiting to be admitted to a hospital bed - meaning the public is being urged not to attend A&E unless experiencing a critical emergency.
A number of the challenges facing NHS Lothian are related to patients who have experienced injuries due to the weather, with a number of them no longer requiring hospital care, but waiting to be discharged.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: "We are all working together to reduce the extreme pressures that our patients and staff are facing. This is undoubtedly the worst we have experienced so far.
“We need people in Lothian to help their own communities and the NHS. If you are not experiencing a critical emergency, then please use the many other services available to access care. This will help relieve pressure in the A&E department and mean that our clinical teams can help those who urgently need it.”
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian, said: “If you have a relative in hospital you may be asked if you can help look after your relative temporarily to help free up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted. If your relative is ready to leave hospital but is waiting for a package of care to be put in place to help them at home, you may be asked if you could provide that extra assistance for a very short time.
“Our teams will have carried out a robust clinical assessment before they discuss the temporary possibilities with patients and their families.
“We know that most patients want to return home as soon as they possibly can, especially at this time of year. This would also help our teams and the patients waiting to be admitted.
“Also, if you have a loved one in hospital who has been discharged and requires to be collected, please do so as early in the day as possible.”
NHS Lothian is working through a series of vital measures to increase internal capacity. Staff have already been deployed from across the sector into roles where they are required most.
A campaign to remind people that A&E is only for critical emergencies has also stepped up in Lothian.
Adverts urging people to consider using NHS Inform for advice, visiting their local pharmacist or GP or calling NHS 24 for advice day or night or for an appointment with their Minor Injuries Unit are underway.
They will run on buses, social media, digital audio and in local press as NHS Lothian battles some of the worst challenges and pressures.
If you think you need to visit A&E, but it's not life threatening, or you think you need to visit a Minor Injury Unit, call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night.
NHS 24 will direct you to the right care in the right place.