University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is postponing all non-urgent surgical operations at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) from today Monday 11th January.
The Trust is reluctantly postponing appointments for planned non-urgent surgical procedures (operations at the hospital) due to the current pressure facing the hospital, and in particular the Intensive Care Unit, because of increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19.
A similar measure was put in place at Furness General Hospital at the end of last week.
Outpatient appointments will be unaffected, as will appointments for patients who require clinically urgent operations or procedures, such as surgery as part of their cancer treatment.
Dr Shahedal Bari, Medical Director, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we take this action as we know that many people have waited patiently for their appointments following the postponement of some services at the start of the pandemic. However, it is essential that we ensure we have the right amount of beds and staff to safely care for our sickest patients.
"It isn't a decision we have taken lightly and we apologise to all those affected. Our clinical teams are currently reviewing all patients awaiting a non-urgent procedure to assess whether the risk is greater to those people if their appointment is postponed.
"If we do need to postpone your appointment, we will contact you directly. If you are not contacted and have an appointment with us for a procedure, operation or outpatient appointment, please do keep it. We have put a number of measures into place to ensure that our services are safe so please do keep your appointments, unless we contact you.
"We will reschedule the appointments we postpone as soon as we are able to do so whilst keeping those patients that need critical care safe."
"Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of coronavirus such as a persistent cough, a fever or a loss or change in your taste or smell, but stay at home.”
New mural unveiled to brighten up crime hot-spot in Lancaster city centre
New upgrades unveiled at cherished Lancaster woodland
Silverdale holiday park celebrates Cumbria Tourism award success
'Exceptional' Ofsted report for Lancaster school-based teacher trainers
Morecambe lifeboat crew called out to people watching eclipse
PHOTOS: Once in a generation solar eclipse delights people across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Government housing inspectors tell Lancaster City Council that improvement is needed
Morecambe FC censured by football regulator
New Indian restaurant opening soon in Lancaster
Investigation after fire in touring caravan on Promenade in Morecambe
Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area prepares for best eclipse for a quarter of a century
Heartbreak over state of eyesore former Lancaster pub as council takes action
Street Champions campaign launched in West End of Morecambe
First glimpse of 'Realm of the Moon' as new Eden Project Morecambe hub set to officially open
Lancaster festival returns to raise funds for mental health awareness
Dad and daughter become stars for the day on TV series The Bay
Firefighters tackle fire in high-rise flats on Lancaster estate
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
