December 10, 2013 9.34 am This story is over 136 months old

High demand for beds at Lincoln hospital

Under pressure: Lincoln County Hospital is experiencing high demand for beds and are asking patients to only use A&E “if absolutely necessary”.
Photo: File/The Lincolnite

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said it is currently experiencing high demand for beds and services at Lincoln County Hospital.

The Trust is asking people to help during this busy time by only using A&E “if absolutely necessary,” and to call NHS 111 first 24 hours a day, or seek advice from a GP or local pharmacist before.

Those suffering from minor injuries are advised to consider attending their local walk-in centre in the first instance.

“No single incident” has caused this pressure, ULHT said. The trust and staff are taking actions to meet the demand on services.

Staff will be making additional ward rounds to ensure that people who are well enough to go home are discharged in a timely fashion, which then frees up beds for other patients.

The Trust say they are working with local commissioners to help care for patients with less severe medical conditions in community-based facilities.

The hospital is liaising with Lincolnshire GPs to ensure that patients not requiring hospital care are not referred to hospital during this busy time.