Icy weather: Emergency services stretched under 'extreme pressure' (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Icy weather: Emergency services stretched under 'extreme pressure'

4:50pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Weather news By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

HOSPITALS in South Cumbria and North Lancashire have been put under extreme pressure because of the icy conditions sweeping the region today, Thursday.

Peter Dyer, medical director for the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), said the weather had led to a significant number of patients attending emergency departments at Furness General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

He added: "To help us make sure we treat those in need of help as quickly as possible, we are politely asking that members of the public do not attend either of our emergency departments unless it is absolutely necessary.

“If members of the public do attend the departments, they will be seen in order of clinical need meaning that the most poorly patients will be seen first.

"Unfortunately, those patients who are not suffering from life-threatening or serious conditions may find themselves having to wait longer than usual to be seen. Our staff are working hard to keep these delays to a minimum and we thank you for your patience.

The hazardous conditions are expected to remain through Friday and Mr Dwyer urged people to take extra care on pavements.

"Older people are particularly vulnerable to slips and falls and it is strongly encouraged that they stay indoors until conditions improve," said Mr Dwyer.

“If you feel unwell or suffer a slip, trip or a fall, there are a range of services which you can use for non-emergencies, such as your GP, local pharmacy, NHS Direct and NHS Choices.”