Hospital hit by surge in emergencies

PATIENTS are being asked not to use Warrington Hospital’s A&E department other than for urgent cases, following a big surge in emergency admissions.
A big increase in serious illness in the town has seen the hospital experience one of its busiest-ever emergency days.
In particular, there have been increases in the number of patients with respiratory illness, chest pain and stroke.
Staff have put steps in place to make sure patients get the care they require as soon as possible.
Some non-urgent outpatient clinics were cancelled yesterday (Tuesday) so doctors and nurses can concentrate on caring for patients on the inpatient wards.
The hospital cared for around 300 emergency patients on Monday, including 38 patients referred direct to A&E from GP surgeries who needed beds.
On a normal day around 220 patients attend A&E and 20 or so arrive directly from GP practices.
The number of patients with complex needs has led to longer than usual waits for non-urgent patients in A&E.
Local people are being asked to only use A&E for real emergencies and serious injuries and illness.
A hospital spokesman said: “Monday saw large numbers of patients presenting at A&E – almost a quarter more than we would typically see.
“The most common problem has been respiratory illness that has caused complications – particularly for elderly patients – but also a lot of chest pain and symptoms of stroke.
“Our staff have been superb in making sure these large numbers of very poorly patients are seen and given beds as soon as is possible. However, that does mean that patients with minor ailments in A&E will not be seen quickly and we’re asking people to consider if they really need to visit A&E.
“We have also cancelled some routine outpatient clinics so our staff can concentrate on the priority patients. By taking these steps we hope we can get back to usual working as soon as possible.”
Patients with non-urgent outpatient appointments at Warrington are being contacted but are asked to call the number on their appointment letters to check if their clinic is still on. All cancer clinics are operating as usual.