As you may be aware, we made the decision on Monday 29 December to escalate to Operations Pressure Escalation Level (OPEL) 4 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI). This was driven by significant and increasing demand for our services.
While our hospitals remain pressured and there are still challenges, we have de-escalated back to OPEL Level 3 from 10am today, Wednesday 31 December.
The decision to de-escalate was made because the pressure at UHMBT has reduced to a level which while still very significant, does not meet the national OPEL 4 criteria.
What can you do to help?
If you are not contacted directly, please continue to turn up for your appointment. Please also 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.
Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.
The public can help us manage these periods of 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.