Bed blocking puts pressure on Shropshire hospitals
Desperately-needed beds at Shropshire's two main hospitals are being taken up by patients fit enough to be sent home.
The situation is worse at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where health chiefs say there are currently 100 people – about 10 per cent of its inpatients capacity – who could be discharged if there was somewhere for them to go.
The situation – together with a big increase in people visiting the Accident and Emergency department – meant staff had to open up its "escalation area" this week because of a lack of beds.
A further 34 are on what is known as the "fit to transfer" list at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.
A few weeks ago the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital (SaTH) NHS Trust warned that higher attendances at both the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford's Princess Royal was increasing pressure on the service.
More than 1,500 people came through the doors of A&E at the two hospitals this week alone.
Debbie Kadum, chief operating officerSaTH, said: "We are seeing an increase in the number of patients visiting our A&E departments. This week we have seen more than 1,500 people at A&E, in addition to the emergency medical and surgical patients who come in through our specialist units.
"At the same time, we have more than 100 patients who no longer need the specialist care that hospitals provide, but for whom there is no bed available in the community. That meant that on Wednesday a small number of patients were placed in beds in designated escalation areas.
"As winter approaches, we would reiterate our message asking people to choose well.
"We know that many people who have been to our A&E departments could have used an alternative local service, which would have avoided what can be a stressful visit to hospital.
"Pharmacies can offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor."
She added: "Minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries.
"Please also remember that NHS 111 provides medical help fast when it's not a 999 emergency.
"We have said consistently that the current level of demand on our services is unsustainable. That is why we are committed to progressing plans to provide the best care and outcomes for our
patients and communities.
"We are clear that the best and safest way to do this is through a network of urgent care centres supporting a single emergency centre."
