Hospital declares its situation is 'critical’

DERRIFORD Hospital has issued a warning that unless you have a serious emergency or life-threatening condition, then you may not be seen at the emergency department.

- DANIEL CLARK

The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust issued the warning amid the junior doctors' strike, which lasts until Tuesday, January 9 - having also declared a critical incident.

Chief executive Ann James said the pressure from the strikes was adding to the traditional issues of January being one of the busiest times of the year for hospitals, post-Christmas and the festive period.

She said the hospital is extremely busy, especially in its Emergency Department, and she needs to ask for the public's help and support.

In a plea on social media, she said if you do not have an emergency or life-threatening condition, you will be redirected to other healthcare services.

These include the Urgent Treatment Centre at the Cumberland centre, and the Minor Injury Units at Kingsbridge and Tavistock. You may also be advised to use local pharmacies or to contact your GP.

In a statement, the NHS Trust said the critical incident had been declared due to the sustained pressure across the hospital, with high attendances to the Emergency Department over the last three days.