A leading healthcare figure has issued a statement amid "increasing amount of pressure" that led to cancellations at a Nottinghamshire trust. The Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals has seen a "higher than normal" attendance at the Emergency Department and rising levels of Covid-19 infection among communities.
An alert was expanded to the whole of Nottinghamshire on Thursday, September 29, one day after Nottinghamshire University Hospitals Trust (NUH), which runs QMC and City Hospital, declared a critical incident, cancelling some non-urgent appointment, although this has now been scaled down. George Briggs, Acting Chief Operating Officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital, said they are trying to keep disruption to a minimum.
As a result of the significant pressure, the trust will prioritise patients with the most urgent need. This also includes appointments related to cancer as well as patients who have been waiting a significant amount of time to undergo treatment.
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The "non-essential meetings and training" have also been cancelled as a result. Mr Briggs added: "Throughout the past few days our emergency and urgent services have come under an increasing amount of pressure, with higher than normal Emergency Department attendances and rising levels of Covid-19 infection amongst our communities.
"As a result, we have refocused our work to prioritise those with the most urgent need, procedures and appointments related to cancer as well as patients who have been waiting a significant amount of time to undergo elective treatments. Additionally, in order to maximise our capacity and workforce, we have stood down non-essential meetings and training.
"We are working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and any individuals affected by these temporary measures will be contacted ahead of time and an alternative date offered. Finally, can we take this opportunity to remind local residents to only attend our emergency services when it's just that - an emergency. If at all unsure, please contact NHS 111."
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