Grantham A&E to close overnight for first time

Grantham Accident and Emergency department will close overnight tonight for the first time since health trust bosses said there aren't enough doctors to staff it around the clock.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust says it is temporarily changing the opening hours of the A&E department at Grantham and District Hospital 'to help maintain safe services across Lincolnshire.'

For the next three months the department will be open from 9am-6.30pm, seven days a week.

The Trust said:

Grantham A&E is already classed as a level three department, which means ambulances with seriously ill patients such as heart attacks, multiple trauma from road traffic accidents, suspected strokes or paediatric emergencies bypass Grantham hospital to get the right care first time.

The Trust emphasised that the service between 9am and 6.30pm will not change and will continue to see patients with minor injuries and illnesses.

After 6.30pm, people visiting friends and family in hospital are being asked to use the entrance in the tower block.

Dr Suneil Kapadia, medical director at ULHT said:

The Trust says the decision to close the A&E department overnight has been made as a result of the reduction in the availability of doctors in Lincoln and Boston, together with an increase in the demand for emergency care services. It says it is 'working hard' to recruit more doctors over the next few weeks and months, and pays 'premium rates' to attract doctors to the county.

During the hours of 6.30pm to 9am, if it’s not a 999 emergency, but someone needs medical help fast, they should call NHS 111.

NHS 111 will assess their symptoms and immediately direct them to the best medical care.