Royal Lancaster Infirmary declares highest alert level due to 'increasing pressures'

A hospital has declared the "highest level of internal escalation" due to "increasing pressures".

Royal Lancaster Infirmary announced it is at Operational Pressures Escalation Level (OPEL) 4, the highest alert within an NHS hospital.

The alert is declared when a hospital is unable to deliver comprehensive care and patient safety is at risk of being compromised.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, which runs the hospital, has said the alert will allow them to take "additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help us cope with the growing demands".

In a statement, the Trust added: "Declaring OPEL 4 enables us to bring all our partners in Lancashire and South Cumbria together to focus on one thing - the safe and timely care of all of our patients.

"As always, patient safety must take priority and we need to take action to make sure that those who are more clinically urgent get the help they need as quickly as possible."

"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 Trust urges patients to continue to turn up for appointments unless they have been contacted directly.

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In addition, cold health alerts have been upgraded to amber for the North West region and will be in place until 12:00 on 6 January.