Royal Liverpool declares critical incident as hospital faces 'exceptionally high demand'
Royal Liverpool Hospital has declared a critical incident after facing 'exceptionally high demand' in its emergency departments - with some patients waiting up to 50 hours on trolleys in corridors for a bed.
The NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group made the announcement on Tuesday 7 January, urging people to consider using other health services to "support the safe care and treatment of our patients".
The statement on X said: "Due to high demand on our Emergency Departments, we have declared a critical incident at our Royal Liverpool University Hospital site."
The hospital has also said that the number of patients being admitted to hospital wards in recent weeks, particularly with the flu, Norovirus and respiratory illnesses, is also putting pressure on its services.
Dr Jim Gardner, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust, said while patients are being seen "immediately" within the A&E department, the pressures meant some were then having to wait "a long time" to be placed on a ward.
"Patients are not waiting to be seen for that long," he said. "If anybody comes who is poorly they will be seen straight away but in order to then care for them and move them on to hospital bed some people are then waiting a long time to move through.
"They are being cared for but there are patients who are being cared for on trolleys in the emergency department and on corridors but we try and give as much dignity to those patients are we can and to look after them as best we can, but it's not where anyone would want to have the best care."
He added it was "distressing for patients and their families as well as our staff who are doing their best".
Dr Jim Gardner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, says some patients are having to wait "a long time"
Dr Gardner said some out-patient appointments and elective surgeries had been cancelled because of the incident - but stressed those who are affected will be contacted.
"In the hospital we are extremely busy at the moment," he said. "Yesterday we declared what's called an internal critical incident because of a surge of patients suffering from flu-like illnesses who are poorly and being admitted to hospitals, and more and more our escalation areas have filled up, so we're having to move patients into further areas and begin to step down some elective surgery and remove colleagues from out patients and help patients in accident and emergencies.
"It's a very busy environment, but if people are really poorly, there are accidents or medical emergencies patients are being seen and of course we will manage them accordingly."
Dr Jim Gardner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, says the hospital is "extremely busy"
The hospital has said it has a "comprehensive plan in place" and is taking the necessary steps to manage the situation affecting its staff and patients.
Dr Gardner said that the response to the incident was "going well" but said the hospital would most likely remain within the critical incident for a number of days due to the volume of patients.
The spokesperson added: "We are working with partner organisations to ensure those that are medically fit can leave hospital safely and at the earliest opportunity.
"Colleagues are working incredibly hard to treat people as quickly as possible, however some people will experience longer waits while we treat our sickest patients.
"If it is not a medical emergency please consider using other services, such as your GP, local pharmacy or walk-in centre.
"The NHS 111 service can be used to help identify the most appropriate service for you and help avoid long waits.
"If you are attending our EDs, patients and visitors should follow some additional infection control measures to help curb the spread of winter viruses such as flu and norovirus.
"This includes practicing good hand hygiene, only visiting the areas they need to in our hospitals and wearing masks in clinical areas if asked to do so.”