Continued high demand on local NHS services

​Continued high demand on local NHS services‌


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Our NHS services across Lancashire and South Cumbria are continuing to experience very high levels of demand, placing significant pressure on hospitals, community services and urgent care. We are working closely with partners across the system to maintain safe services and ensure support is available for those who need it most.

Key messages for partners to share

• Please encourage the public to use A&E only for serious or life threatening emergencies.
  Alternative services such as NHS 111 online, community pharmacies, GP practices and urgent treatment centres may be able to help more quickly.
• Support timely discharge.
  If you work with individuals, families or carers, please remind them of the importance of collecting loved ones promptly when they are ready to leave hospital, ensuring they have the right support in place at home.
• Prepare people for potential waits.
  If someone does need to attend A&E, please advise them that longer waits are possible. Encouraging them to bring essentials – such as a charged phone, warm clothing, and a payment method – helps ensure they are more comfortable if delays occur.
• Promote vaccinations.
  Vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and hospital admissions.

We want to express our sincere thanks to all partners across the health, care, voluntary and community sectors who continue to support our shared response. Your collective efforts are helping us to manage pressures, maintain flow and keep people safe.