Ambulances queue at full hospital at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is on “black alert” and has declared a major incident in order to discharge non-urgent patients.
In a statement, the hospital said 10 ambulances were waiting to admit patients with paramedics treating them.
It said all other general hospitals in the east were on the same alert level.
The statement added: “All the hospitals in the region are currently on black alert and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is also experiencing very high emergency demand. The hospital is currently full and our emergency areas are at full capacity.”
‘Extreme pressure’
The hospital said it was working with social services and other organisations to help move patients with less-severe medical conditions.
“As a result of the extreme pressure we are under, we have declared a major incident in order that all the agencies can take appropriate action to discharge patients and free-up beds,” the statement added.
“We currently have 10 ambulances waiting to admit patients and ambulance crews are looking after those patients.”
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust said while it was under extreme pressure, the hospital was not turning patients away.
The statement continued: “The hospital is not closed, but we would also urge members of the public who have minor health problems not to attend A&E; as staff are being kept extremely busy dealing with 999 patients with more serious health problems.”
