November 29, 2019 12.28 pm This story is over 52 months old

Lincoln hospital “under extreme pressure” as lengthy delays continue

Have you experienced delays this week?
Ambulances queueing outside Lincoln County Hospital. | Photo: File / The Lincolnite

Lincoln County Hospital is still “under extreme pressure” as some patients continue to experience long waits, although there has been a “slight improvement over the last 12 hours”.

As previously reported, people were waiting over 12 hours earlier this week and ambulances were seen queuing around the hospital car park as the pressure continues to mount on Lincoln’s A&E.

Patients with serious conditions such as suspected blood clots have faced lengthy delays this week as there has been an “unprecedented demand” for people to be seen at the emergency department.

Patients who do not have immediately life threatening conditions may continue to experience long waits.

The trust issued a further update on Friday with Simon Evans, Director of Operations, saying: “We have seen a slight improvement over the last 12 hours, however, we are still under extreme pressure and some patients who do not have immediately life threatening conditions may experience long waits.”

“Thank you to all of our staff who have gone above and beyond to care for our patients and also our health, social care and charity partners who have supported us throughout this time.

“A&E should only be used for life threatening emergencies and I would ask that people choose well and consider going to their pharmacist, GP, you can also use the ASAPLincs website or app, or call NHS111 for advice where appropriate.”

ULHT previously said its GP colleagues are increasing the number of urgent appointments available to help reduce the pressure on A&E.

Earlier this month, the former Lincoln MP Karen Lee said the situation at A&E was the “worst my contact has seen” with waiting times up to 20 hours.

Former staff at Lincoln County Hospital previously spoke out about problems of safety and understaffing, which they claim were flagged up but never addressed.