Menu
23/11/2007
Bed Crisis Hits Hospitals Across East of England
There's a major bed crisis developing in hospitals across the east of England.
Several have already been placed on "black alert" as staff and wards are overwhelmed by high patient numbers.
Non-urgent cases have been sent home after up to 10 ambulances were left queuing outside one hospital.
Few or no beds are free at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, and the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, both in Norfolk.
People with minor injuries have been urged not to attend A&E.
The alert status means plans designed to enable staff to cope with major incidents, such as terrorist attacks and train crashes, are put into action.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), which announced it had reached the emergency status on Wednesday afternoon, managers worked with other agencies to discharge non-urgent patients from the 1,000-bed hospital to create space.
However, the hospital said that between 60 and 70 beds were still being blocked because patients who were medically fit to leave had no where to go.
Paramedics are even treating patients in ambulances outside the NNUH.
(BMcC)
Several have already been placed on "black alert" as staff and wards are overwhelmed by high patient numbers.
Non-urgent cases have been sent home after up to 10 ambulances were left queuing outside one hospital.
Few or no beds are free at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, and the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, both in Norfolk.
People with minor injuries have been urged not to attend A&E.
The alert status means plans designed to enable staff to cope with major incidents, such as terrorist attacks and train crashes, are put into action.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), which announced it had reached the emergency status on Wednesday afternoon, managers worked with other agencies to discharge non-urgent patients from the 1,000-bed hospital to create space.
However, the hospital said that between 60 and 70 beds were still being blocked because patients who were medically fit to leave had no where to go.
Paramedics are even treating patients in ambulances outside the NNUH.
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2015
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
03 June 2011
Healthcare Staff Get Innovative
Frontline NHS staff and other healthcare professionals who come up with innovative ideas to give better patient care are getting their schemes funded thanks to the Department of Health’s Innovation Challenge Prizes. The first winners have been announced today.
Healthcare Staff Get Innovative
Frontline NHS staff and other healthcare professionals who come up with innovative ideas to give better patient care are getting their schemes funded thanks to the Department of Health’s Innovation Challenge Prizes. The first winners have been announced today.
19 March 2015
'Major Incident' Declared At Two Hospitals Over Bed Shortages
A bed shortage at hospitals in north Cumbria has led the NHS Trust to declare a "major incident". All non-emergency operations at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary and Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital have been cancelled until Friday, when the situation will be reviewed. All emergency patients are being diverted to other hospitals.
'Major Incident' Declared At Two Hospitals Over Bed Shortages
A bed shortage at hospitals in north Cumbria has led the NHS Trust to declare a "major incident". All non-emergency operations at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary and Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital have been cancelled until Friday, when the situation will be reviewed. All emergency patients are being diverted to other hospitals.
13 August 2013
Report Unveils 'Toxic Cocktail' In NHS Hospitals
New research by the Health Service Ombudsman has revealed a "toxic cocktail" within some NHS hospitals. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Dame Julie Mellor added that people often failed to complain because they feared they would receive even worse treatment. Those who did experienced "a culture of defensiveness" from staff, she explained.
Report Unveils 'Toxic Cocktail' In NHS Hospitals
New research by the Health Service Ombudsman has revealed a "toxic cocktail" within some NHS hospitals. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Dame Julie Mellor added that people often failed to complain because they feared they would receive even worse treatment. Those who did experienced "a culture of defensiveness" from staff, she explained.
18 November 2011
Bedside Furniture To Counter Infections
New bedside furniture designs can reduce healthcare associated infections, according to the Department of Health. The specialist furniture will be made available today for the NHS to purchase after testing showed positive patient and staff feedback.
Bedside Furniture To Counter Infections
New bedside furniture designs can reduce healthcare associated infections, according to the Department of Health. The specialist furniture will be made available today for the NHS to purchase after testing showed positive patient and staff feedback.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
