THE trust that runs hospitals in south Cumbria has declared its highest alert level amid pressure on its emergency and urgent care services.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust has moved to an Opel 4, meaning comprehensive care cannot be delivered and patient safety could be compromised.

The trust the current pressures had followed a busy bank holiday weekend.

The trust's chief executive Aaron Cummins said 'patient safety must take priority'.

The Opel 4 status, formerly known as a black alert, is part of NHS England's Operational Pressures Escalation Levels framework.

Mr Cummins said escalating the trust to Opel 4 would allow it to take additional steps to maintain 'safe service' and help cope with demand.

He said: "Declaring Opel 4 enables us to bring all our partners in Lancashire and South Cumbria together to focus on one thing - the safe and timely care of all of our patients.

"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." 

While the alert is in in place senior clinical staff are due to be brought in support ward staff and 'help unblock as many delays in admission and discharge as possible'.

Other measures include working with ambulance crews 'to ensure the safe and timely handover of patients to the care setting that best meets their needs, to allow for the prompt turnaround and keep ambulances on the road, serving patients'.

Opening hours at Kendal's urgent treatment centre could also be extended to accommodate more patients.

The trust said it would be working with the social care sector so patients well enough to leave hospital but remain on the wards.

Patients have been told to turn up for appointments unless they are contacted otherwise and to cancel their appointments if not needed.

Mr Cummins said: "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."