Thanks to the incredible dedication and teamwork of the Trust’s staff and partner organisations across the Wigan Borough and Greater Manchester, progress is being made and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is no longer in a critical incident.
WWL continues to face exceptional pressure on its services, particularly with ongoing challenges in discharging patients who are well enough to leave hospital, which is having a direct impact on the number of beds available for patients who are in desperate need of medical attention.
We have a strong focus on safely discharging patients who are ready to leave our hospitals to make sure we can free up capacity for those who urgently require a hospital stay. Please help your loved ones if they are staying in hospital during the time they’re receiving care, through the discharge process and post-discharge when they need support at home.
Recovery at home is always the best option, and our discharge teams will continue to help patients and families to make sure the transition to home is safe.
It remains important to use NHS services appropriately based on your needs. The Emergency Department at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary remains open and if you have a life or limb-threatening condition, you will be cared for. If your condition is not life or limb-threatening, visit NHS 111 online in the first instance, contact your GP, contact a local pharmacy for advice, or visit an Urgent Treatment Centre, such as the one we have at Leigh Infirmary - the alternatives out there can get people seen quicker and in a more appropriate place.
If you are directed to alternative care facilities, please accept the advice of our teams, as this will be in your best interest, and they are prioritising patients who are in desperate need of medical attention.
A tremendous effort is being made from everyone involved and we are extremely grateful to the public for your continuous understanding and support to WWL staff and each other during this very difficult time.
WWL continues to ask you 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 for health 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 of or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 unless it is an emergency.