Hospitals 'overcrowding risk' ahead of Christmas

[Northerner]

Hospitals in England are so overcrowded ahead of Christmas care is being put at risk, experts say, with some places having to turn away ambulances because they cannot accept any more patients.

NHS England's first weekly report of the winter shows nearly 95% of beds are occupied. Anything above 85% is unsafe.

Experts warned hospitals were in the "red zone" and it was a risk to care.

The data for last week showed eight A&Es had diverted ambulance crews elsewhere because they were so busy.

And even when ambulances were able to drop patients off, significant numbers were facing delays.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46514094

 

[mikeyB]

Didn’t even see an ambulance by the A&E at the Royal Preston hospital today. Everyone looked nice and relaxed. Still, it would have been unlucky to hit one of the eight A&E departments turning away patients, as there are so many. Haven’t yet had time to read The National to see the score in Scotland- or if they are panicking.

 

[mikeyB]

Nope - no such stories in the National or The Herald. Won’t look at the Scotsman on principle

 

[Amigo]

Makes me relieved I refused a hospital admission today when I saw the GP. She wanted me to go in for IV antibiotics and to check me out as this chest infection is proving intractable. I have too much experience of what to expect and would rather take my chances away from the bug filled 4 bedded wards! Now there’s talk of a norovirus epidemic!
Let’s hope the industrial strength antibiotics keep me out of there!

 

[mikeyB]

That’s exactly why the QEUH hospital in Glasgow was built with single rooms with en suite, not for luxury. 1,667 of ‘em. Hospital infections have plummeted.