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We are running at extremely high levels of occupancy and like a number of other hospitals across the country, we are seeing huge rise in demands for our services at the moment. Attendances at the Emergency Department (ED) at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary continue rising; there are ongoing challenges in discharging patients who are well enough to leave hospital - all of which leads to longer waits than we would like for patients to be seen and admitted.
Staff are working really hard to ensure that people get treatment as quickly as possible – but will always prioritise those with the highest clinical need first. This means that patients with less urgent conditions may experience longer than average waiting times in ED.
We are working closely with our local partners across health and social care to make sure that all possible capacity is effectively utilised, in order to help reduce delays to care.
You can help us manage this period of increased demand by making sure you’re accessing the right care, in the right place, and at the right time, so that our emergency services are free for those who need them most.
- Help with congestion: Due to high numbers in our ED and longer waiting times, we are asking that each patient has only one loved one or carer with them at any time, if possible. This helps ease and create a better waiting environment in a busy department.
- Discharge: If your loved one is well enough to go home from one of our sites, please help our Discharge Teams to collect them as soon as you can. We make sure every discharge is safe and supported, and your help makes this transition smoother, while freeing up more beds for those who need them.
- NHS 111: If you’re not sure where to go, or you need urgent medical advice, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.
- Mental health support: You can call NHS 111 and select option 2 at any time of the day or night to speak to a trained professional.
- Pharmacists: If you have a minor injury or illness, pharmacists can offer some prescription medicine and other services.
- Urgent Care Centres: If you have an urgent, but non-life threatening illness or injury
- GPs: For illnesses that can be difficult to deal with at home.
- Dentists: If you require an urgent dentist appointment, and don’t have one or they are closed, call 0333 332 3800.
- NHS App: You can order repeat prescriptions, manage appointments, and receive reminders.
- Cancelling appointments: If you no longer need or are unable to make a health care appointment, please cancel it so it can be reallocated to another patient. There will be a number to call on your appointment letter.
- Vaccinations: Make sure you are protected this winter by getting your flu, RSV and Covid-19 vaccinations if you are eligible.
Our teams are working incredibly hard throughout this period of increased demand, and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that our essential services remain open for those that need them. If you need urgent medical help, please do come forward to receive it.
Video with Sarah Brennan, Chief Operating Officer
Sarah Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, explains how you can help us through the increased demand that we are currently facing: