Big increase in patients
Beleaguered staff at the Royal United Hospital say they are experiencing unprecedented demand for its services.
The hospital has seen an increase in emergency patients compared to the average figure for the past four years in each of the past four months.
Last month, there was a three per cent rise in emergency cases compared to the four-year average, to 5,677 people, while the increase was eight per cent in December.
Its managers are calling for people to make maximum use of minor injuries units in surrounding towns, along with the city's walk-in centre and NHS Direct.
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Its interim chief operating officer Francesca Thompson said: "There has been an unprecedented demand on our services, even busier than normal for this time of year, with no sign of let-up. The extra influx of patients is putting the hospital under extreme pressure, but our staff have responded magnificently and are working flat out to help keep the hospital running.
"The hospital's discharge arrangements are being reviewed on an hourly basis and we are also liaising closely with primary care trusts to effect timely discharge arrangements for patients and identify appropriate beds in the community."
Mrs Thompson said the arrival of patients in the emergency department with a minor injury diverted staff attention from people with more serious injuries who need to be admitted.
2 Comments
by woodruff70
Thursday, February 14 2013, 12:59PM
“I agree with the comment of bath1946. Moreover, this constant repeating of this story is not only 'old news' but is probably now scaremongering. This story made news some weeks ago and was published quite properly in these columns - however, it is now being 'done to death' - I believe also that Ms Thompson has been confirmed in her role as 'Chief Operating Officer' and, as such, is no longer interim. If the website must repeat old news, perhaps it will at least ensure that the content is accurate at the time of repeat. Very poor journalism.”
by bath1946
Thursday, February 14 2013, 9:42AM
“Chronicle, could you please desist from repeating an article but deleting all previous comments. It represents censorship and suggests that our comments are valueless.”