Due to increased pressures at Furness General Hospital (FGH), we have taken the decision to escalate FGH to OPEL 4 - the highest level of internal escalation. This allows us to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help us cope with the significant and growing demand we are facing.
Operations Pressure Escalation Levels (OPEL) is a method used by the NHS to measure the stress, demand and pressure a hospital is under, with OPEL 4 representing the high escalation level. OPEL 4 is declared when a hospital is ‘unable to deliver comprehensive care’ and patient safety is at risk.
Whilst the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) is also operating with some pressures, the decision to declare OPEL 4 has been made due to the high demand we are seeing at FGH. The level of patient acuity is high, we have beds closed due to the norovirus outbreak on ward 7 and we are experiencing a reduced number of discharges and step downs to virtual wards that helps with patient flow.
The safety of our patients and colleagues is vital; and the decision to declare OPEL 4 at FGH acknowledges that we are at a point where we cannot continue in the way we are due to the increased risk of harm.
There are some immediate actions being taken by Trust teams and our partners, including:
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Utilising all alternative options to the Emergency Department
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Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities and expediting discharges where possible
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Acute Medical Unit, frailty and medical colleagues reviewing patients with a discharge ready date to see if these can be safely brought forward
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Cancellation of non-essential meetings/activities by all divisions in order to redirect clinician time to patient-facing activities
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Seeking support from local partner organisations
What the public can do to help
Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them. If you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.
The public can help us manage these periods of high demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs.
If you are not contacted directly, please continue to turn up for your appointment. Contact the number on your appointment letter if you are no longer able to make your appointment so it can be reallocated to another patient.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.