Why Are Our Hospitals So Full? Greater Manchester Faces 60-Hour Waits
Greater Manchester hospitals are overwhelmed, with patients waiting up to 60 hours for beds amid rising flu cases and critical incidents.
Greater Manchester, NHS, Flu, Hospital Waits, Emergency Care
Greater Manchester: It’s been a tough time for hospitals lately. Patients are waiting up to 60 hours for a bed, and it feels like we’re back in the pandemic days.
This week, the NHS is under serious pressure as winter hits. Reports are coming in of people waiting over 50 hours at Wigan’s Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. It’s wild!
Doctors are saying the situation is intense, with many patients needing urgent care due to Covid, flu, and RSV. One GP mentioned that the number of seriously ill patients is just too high.
Dr. Helen Wall from Bolton pointed out that while the waits are long, it’s because the patients really need to be there. They’re not just taking up space; they need oxygen and other treatments.
Patients have been sharing their experiences, like Dean Jennings, who ended up in A&E for days. He was treated in the corridor for a while, which is just crazy.
Another patient mentioned being warned about 50-hour waits. He went in for a check-up and had to wait hours just to see a doctor. It’s packed in there, and people are even fighting for seats!
About 20 NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents due to these long waits. Flu cases are skyrocketing, with hospitalizations hitting record numbers.
Sarah Brennan, the Chief Operating Officer for the local NHS trust, said they always prepare for winter pressures, but this year is particularly tough. They’re doing their best to keep things running smoothly.
She also reminded everyone that A&E should only be for serious issues. For less urgent matters, it’s better to use NHS 111 or visit a local pharmacy.
Doctors are seeing a huge rise in flu cases, which is causing a backlog. If beds are filled with flu patients, it means surgeries get canceled, and it creates a domino effect throughout the healthcare system.
It’s a real mess right now, and staff are feeling the strain. Some have said it feels like the height of the pandemic again, with overcrowded emergency departments and long waits for beds.
Colin Scales from NHS Greater Manchester acknowledged the long waits and the stress it causes for patients. They’re working hard to improve the situation, but it’s a tough battle.
Dr. Wall mentioned that while they’re managing for now, they’re unsure how much longer this will last. If flu cases keep rising, it could get even more challenging.