Derriford Hospital warns emergency department is very full

Patients without life-threatening conditions are being urged to use alternative health services after Derriford Hospital’s Emergency Department became “very full”, the NHS trust has said.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust issued the warning on Tuesday, 13 January, saying people attending A&E with non-emergency conditions may be redirected elsewhere due to pressure on services.

In a statement, the trust said staff were working hard to prioritise patients based on clinical need and to ensure those requiring urgent care were treated as quickly as possible.

Patients who do not have serious or life-threatening conditions are being advised to consider other healthcare options, including NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, minor injury units, local pharmacies or their GP.

The trust said its Urgent Treatment Centres, located at the Dartmoor Building at Derriford and the Cumberland Centre in Devonport, remain open every day. Minor Injury Units are also available at Kingsbridge and Tavistock.

Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said the Emergency Department must focus on patients with the most serious needs.

“Our Emergency Department is there for life-threatening conditions and real emergencies,” he said. “If you can use other services, such as NHS 111, pharmacy or your GP, please do so.

“If you do come to the Emergency Department and it is not an emergency or a life-threatening condition, then you may be redirected.”

He added that staff were working to ensure the sickest patients were prioritised and that patient flow through the hospital was maintained.

As part of the measures to manage demand, the trust is also asking people not to accompany patients into the Emergency Department unless they are carers or the patient is particularly distressed.

Mr Allcorn said seating space was needed to ensure patients could sit comfortably while waiting to be treated.

The trust is encouraging anyone who needs urgent medical advice, but not emergency care, to contact NHS 111 by phone or online before attending hospital.

Patients requiring emergency dental care are being advised to contact their usual dentist or NHS 111 to access out-of-hours services.

Members of the public are also being asked to help ease pressure on services where possible, including supporting friends or family members in hospital to return home as soon as they are medically ready. The trust said ward staff can advise on available discharge support, including one-off grants.

People experiencing symptoms of winter illnesses such as flu or norovirus are being urged to stay at home and avoid contact with vulnerable people, including hospital patients and care home residents.

The trust said patients without symptoms of an infectious illness should continue to attend planned appointments unless contacted directly.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said its Emergency Department remains available for people with very serious or life-threatening emergencies, but urged others to use alternative services while demand remains high.