Lincolnshire hospitals declare another critical incident
They're experiencing high levels of demand
Lincolnshire hospitals have declared a critical incident due to pressures on A and E.
It's the second time this month.
Health bosses say they're continuing to see exceptionally high demand on services particularly in their emergency departments and are struggling to find bed space.
At one point a patient was left waiting for 35 hours at Lincoln County hospital whilst another had a 24 hour wait at Boston Pilgrim.
Staffing issues are also causing problems as flu and Covid cases rise.
There are also continuing problems with discharging some patients who've finished treatment but can't source accommodation or a care home to take them.
They're looking at measures to manage the impact of high demand
The trust is urging patients to only use emergency services for genuine needs, and to seek alternatives such as GPs and NHS 111 where possible.
They are also asking family members, friends and carers to collect patients who are being discharged as soon as possible to help free up hospital beds.
To tackle the issue, some staff have been redeployed to other areas, and the trust strengthened infection control measures, including bringing back mask-wearing across all areas of the hospital.
Trust Chief Executive describes circumstances as "challenging".
Trust Chief Executive Andrew Morgan said on Thursday morning: “Our hospitals are continuing to see exceptionally high levels of demand for our services, particularly in our emergency departments.
“Many of these individuals are very unwell and require further treatment, but there remains significant challenges in the number of available beds across our hospitals, a situation that is also reflected nationally across the NHS.
“We continue to do all we can with partner health and care organisations to ensure care is available for those who need it and those who are medically fit for discharge can return home or to another place of care quickly and safely.
“Our colleagues are working exceptionally hard to ensure the safe delivery of care in these challenging circumstances and I thank them for their continued efforts.”