OPEL 4 declared at Furness General Hospital

Due to increased pressures at Furness General Hospital (FGH), the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has taken the decision to escalate FGH 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 cope with the significant and growing demand.

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.

While the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) is also operating with some pressures, the decision to declare OPEL 4 has been made due to the high demand at FGH. The level of patient acuity is high, beds are closed due to the norovirus outbreak on ward 7 and there is a reduced number of discharges and step downs to virtual wards that helps with patient flow.

There are some immediate actions being taken by Trust teams and our partners, including:

Utilising all alternative options to the Emergency Department

Community colleagues focusing on admission avoidance activities and expediting discharges where possible

Acute Medical Unit, frailty and medical colleagues reviewing patients with a discharge ready date to see if these can be safely brought forward

Cancellation of non-essential meetings/activities by all divisions in order to redirect clinician time to patient-facing activities

Seeking support from local partner organisations

What the public can do to help

The Trust said: "Essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them. If you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.

"The public can help manage these periods of high 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.

"If you are not contacted directly, please continue to turn up for your appointment. Contact the number on your appointment letter if you are no longer able to make your appointment, so it can be re-allocated to another patient.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time."

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