Extra staff and longer opening hours for same day emergency care among winter plans for Lancaster hospital

This means additional beds, expanded clinical teams, extended opening hours and enhanced discharge services designed to ensure patients receive safe and timely care.

Winter is traditionally one of the busiest periods for the NHS, with higher numbers of patients requiring urgent and emergency care due to seasonal illnesses, respiratory infections and colder weather.

To prepare, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust (UHMBT) is implementing a comprehensive programme of measures across both the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) and Furness General Hospital (FGH).

Dr Helen Skinner, chief medical officer for the Trust said: "Among the improvements are the addition of eight escalation beds at FGH, including two surgical beds on Ward 5 and six medical beds on Ward 4.

"These extra beds will help improve patient flow, enhance patient safety and support emergency department performance during periods of high demand.

"The Trust is also increasing medical staffing across both hospital sites. Additional consultant and resident doctor support will provide more senior clinical decision-making in emergency departments, helping patients receive assessments and treatment more quickly, reducing unnecessary admissions where appropriate and supporting faster discharge decisions, "she added.

"For children and young people, additional senior paediatric cover will be available at both RLI and FGH during peak evening periods. This is expected to support increased demand from winter respiratory illnesses, reduce waiting times and provide quicker access to specialist paediatric assessment."

As part of efforts to provide alternatives to emergency departments, opening hours are being extended for same-day emergency care services.

Medical Same Day Emergency Care at RLI will operate until midnight, seven days a week, while Furness Medical Treatment Unit will remain open until 11pm every day.

These services enable patients to receive specialist assessment and treatment without necessarily requiring admission to hospital.

Additional nursing teams are being introduced at both sites to further support patient care, improve flow through emergency departments and reduce the need for temporary measures during periods of exceptional pressure.

The Trust is also strengthening arrangements to help patients leave hospital as soon as they are medically ready.

Measures include:

*Extended opening hours for the discharge lounge at FGH

*Enhanced weekend discharge coordination teams

*Extended Home First ambulance provision to support patients returning home

*Improved discharge planning to reduce delays and free up beds for those who need them most

Together, these initiatives are designed to improve patient experience, enhance safety and ensure hospital capacity is available for the sickest patients throughout the winter months.

UHMBT is also encouraging local people to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and help NHS services remain available for those most in need.

If you are eligible for a flu vaccination or a Covid-19 vaccination, please take up the offer as soon as possible.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission during winter.

Additionally many minor illnesses can be safely managed at home. Households are encouraged to keep a basic supply of medicines and healthcare essentials, including:

*Paracetamol and ibuprofen

*Indigestion remedies

*Oral rehydration products

*Plasters and basic first aid supplies

*A thermometer

*Tissues and hand sanitiser

People should always follow the instructions provided with medicines and seek professional advice if they are unsure.

And to help ensure patients receive the right treatment in the right place at the right time:

*Use NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent medical advice when it's not a life-threatening emergency.

*Visit your local pharmacy for expert advice and treatment for many common conditions.

*Contact your GP practice for ongoing or non-urgent health concerns.

*Use same-day emergency care services when referred by a healthcare professional.

Attend Emergency Departments only for serious or life-threatening conditions, such as severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, suspected stroke, major trauma or significant bleeding.

Dr Skinner added: "By taking simple steps to stay well and using healthcare services appropriately, local communities can play an important role in helping the NHS provide safe and effective care for everyone this winter."