Following an increase in demand for emergency care, we have declared a Critical Incident.
Delays in discharging people home or into social care settings means that St Mary’s Hospital has again reached capacity. Over the past few days we have been under significant pressure and, in order to maintain the safety of our services, we are now in the position of having to prioritise treatment for patients with life threatening conditions and injuries.
We will continue to prioritise cancer treatment and urgent operations, as well as people who have already had long waits for their treatment but may have to postpone some planned surgical activity. Patients will be contacted if this difficult decision is taken.
Juliet Pearce, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), said: “Everyone is working hard to keep our patients safe and we are connecting with our Island partners for additional support.
“In the meantime we are appealing to our local community to help us ensure that patients get home as soon as possible and to only come to our Emergency Department (ED) for life threatening conditions and injuries. The safety of our patients and our staff is always our top priority.”
Please help us reach the wider community by sharing our social media messages through your own channels.
We are asking members of the public to help by:
- Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged, to free up beds for those who need them.
- Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for heath advice, or alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP.
- Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
- Stay away from our hospitals if you have symptoms, or are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
