Lincolnshire hospitals postponing non-urgent appointments and procedures today and tomorrow (Friday)

Managers at Lincolnshire hospitals are to postpone non-urgent appointments for a second day and tomorrow (Friday) as well due to the ongoing snowy conditions making it difficult for staff and patients to travel.
Pilgrim Hospital, Boston. EMN-180103-113446001Pilgrim Hospital, Boston. EMN-180103-113446001
Pilgrim Hospital, Boston. EMN-180103-113446001

In an announcement just issued, Mark Brassington, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust Chief Operating Officer, said: “To protect the safety of our patients, today (Thursday March 1) and tomorrow (Friday March 2) ULHT is unfortunately cancelling all non-urgent outpatient clinics and operations. Many of our staff haven’t been able to get into work due to the adverse weather conditions and we don’t want patients to risk their safety by travelling to one of our hospitals for a routine appointment.

“People who have an outpatient appointment at any of our hospitals today or Friday should not attend unless it is urgent which is for a two week wait appointment, radiotherapy, renal or oncology services. If you are unsure, please call the contact number on your letter for advice.”

People who have an operation scheduled are being contacted if their operation has been cancelled, but all non-emergency operations that are being cancelled, to be rearranged “as soon as it is safe to do so”.

Mr Brassington said: “To help cope, we are redeploying outpatient staff and non-clinical staff to wards and theatres. We are also using emergency 4x4 vehicles to help get staff to work in critical areas.”

As previously reported, many staff have walked into work or got lifts in 4x4s, or stayed over locally with friends closer to the hospitals in Boston, Lincoln and Grantham.

At Pilgrim Hospital, a 4x4 driver went out picking staff up but had to turn back as they could not get through, but before doing so he helped two other drivers he came across who had gone off the road and also checked a car in the dyke was empty.

Mr Brassington said: “Please stay safe and keep away from hospitals unless it is an emergency. Getting to our hospitals is tricky and the conditions may be treacherous.

“Our A&Es are busy treating very sick patients or patients who are badly injured. To help ease pressures on A&Es, we urge everyone to think twice before they go to an A&E – if it’s not serious or life threatening, you shouldn’t be there. Call NHS 111 for advice.”

He said: “Please consider whether you may be able to self-care your condition through over-the-counter medicine, staying warm, hydrated and through resting.​ You can receive further help and advice on what the best remedy is for you, from your local walk-in pharmacy.

“Alternatively, ring NHS 111 and you will be put through to a Lincolnshire clinician who, if necessary, can book you an appointment at your local GP practice.”

The hospital trust will publish further updates on Twitter @ULHT_News and Facebook @unitedlincolnshirehospitalsnhstrust.