Health bosses say there are increased pressures at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
The hospital has been escalated to OPEL 4 - the highest level of internal escalation which will allow bosses to take additional steps to maintain services
Last updated 30th Dec 2025
The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust says due to increased pressures at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, they have decided to escalate RLI to OPEL 4 - the highest level of internal escalation.
This allows the Trust to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services for patients and help them cope with the significant and growing demand. OPEL 4 was declared on 29th December,
Operations Pressure Escalation Levels (OPEL) is a method used by the NHS to measure the stress, demand and pressure a hospital is under, with OPEL 4 representing the high escalation level. OPEL 4 is declared when a hospital is ‘unable to deliver comprehensive care’ and patient safety is at risk.
In a statement the Trust says:
"Whilst FGH is operating normally, the decision to declare RLI OPEL 4 has been made due to the high demand we are seeing at RLI.
"As always, patient safety must take priority and we need to take action to make sure that those who are more clinically urgent get the help they need as quickly as possible."
The Trust teams and partners are taking some immediate actions including:
Utilising all alternative options to ED
Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities and espediting discharges where possible
Cancellation of non-essential meetings/activities in order to redirect clinician time to patient-facing activities
Seeking support from local place-based partners, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) system partners which includes Primary Care, FCMS, Local Authorities and NWAS.
The Trust says to turn up for your appointment unless you have been contacted.
The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust also says:
"Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.
"The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs."