Derriford Hospital critical incident stood down after hundreds admitted
Derriford Hospital has confirmed it has stood down a critical incident, which was announced on January 7 due to a significant increase in demand for hospital care.
On Tuesday, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said over 300 people visited the hospital on January 6, putting pressure on staff and facilities. Of the 300, almost 200 people were admitted as inpatients - a number the trust said was much higher than normal.
But today, January 9, Chief Nurse Darryn Allcorn confirmed improvements had been made to the situation. He said: "On Tuesday 7 January, we shared that University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust had declared a Critical Incident due to significant and rising demand for hospital care.
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"Following incredible efforts by our staff and colleagues in partner organisations over the last few days, I am pleased to report that our position has improved and the decision has been taken to step down from critical incident as of late morning (Thursday 9 January).
"It is important to note that although the critical incident has been stood down we continue to have many patients needing hospital care and we have a relentless focus on minimising waits for patients, working to this end with other partners across both the Devon and Cornwall healthcare systems. Thank you to everyone who has supported us."
What can I do to help ease pressure on Derriford Hospital?
If you have an urgent medical problem that isn’t an emergency contact NHS 111 first by phone or online
Please use the Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency. Please be aware that the service, like the wider NHS and local health and care system, is very busy.
If you have a friend or family member in hospital please help them to come home as soon as they are ready. Talk to the ward staff about the support available to help them be discharged, including one off grants.
The Urgent Treatment Centre at the Cumberland Centre in Devonport is open every day to treat you if you have an injury which isn’t life-threatening but requires urgent treatment
For emergency dental care, contact your usual dentist, or contact NHS 111 by phone or online and you will be provided with details of your local out of hours service
If you have any symptoms of a winter bug such as flu or norovirus please stay at home, particularly avoid people who are more vulnerable such as hospital patients or care home residents.
If you don’t have symptoms of an infectious bug and you have an appointment do please attend unless you are contacted.