Shropshire hospital operations cancelled as A&E demand spirals
Operations have been cancelled as Shropshire's hospitals struggle to cope with spiralling numbers of emergency patients.
A total of 17 operations have been cancelled this week and directors at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust today apologised, saying they are facing unprecedented demand.
Hospital bosses also praised the hard work of staff, who are going "above and beyond" what is asked of them.
Debbie Kadum, chief operating officer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "This is one of the busiest periods any of us can remember. So far this week we have seen an average of nearly 360 people attending our emergency departments every day.
"Unfortunately, these demands have put a great deal of pressure on our services and we have had to cancel 17 operations as a direct result. We would like to apologise to anyone affected."
Her comments come after images emerged of eight ambulances queueing to get into Princess Royal Hospital's A&E – and nine patients on trolleys waiting in a corridor.
It was also revealed that a boy injured in a car crash was taken to the PRH by fire engine after no ambulance turned up.
Ms Kadum added: "This Easter we have seen unprecedented demand and I would like to thank all of our staff who have been working above and beyond during this period.
"We would again like to reiterate that many conditions do not need the specialised care provided in our emergency departments and can be treated using alternative local services.
"This is better for the patient, as they could avoid what can be a stressful visit to hospital and a potentially lengthy wait.
"GP practices can give you general medical advice and care, including prescriptions. When your practice is closed you can contact Shropdoc.
"Pharmacies are experts in medicines and will use their clinical expertise, together with their practical knowledge, to advise you on common problems.
"NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it's not a 999 emergency.
"As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries."
Sarah Bloomfield, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust's director of nursing and quality, said it was an issue everyone was working to tackle.
She said: "The high demand is not easy to absorb. Our staff have had to work above and beyond. They are working incredibly hard. We have had to open additional areas.
"Throughout all this we have kept patients safe but staff have not always been able to treat them where we want to – this has been frustrating for them.
"There is no quick fix we could put in the next two to three weeks to resolve this."
