THE situation as two Gloucestershire hospitals has dramatically worsened as the national health crisis continues, with 30 per cent of patients not being seen for more than four hours. 

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs both the hospitals has fallen dramatically in national rankings, with only 69.9 per cent of patients being seen within four hours - 25 per cent below the national average of 95 per cent. 

Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals have announced they are continuing to operate in major internal critical status this today.

Members of the public are being urged to consider alternative options before attending either of the A&E departments.

the Trust declared the incident on Sunday, January 4.

Chief executive of the Trust Dr Frank Harsent said: “The Trust declared a major internal critical incident due to the high levels of demand on our services with especially high numbers of frail elderly patients being admitted, a high number of patients attending the A&E departments and issues in relation to discharging patients.

“In declaring this incident it allows the organisation and its partners to implement robust plans so that resources are mobilised – specialist discharge team, additional staff, equipment and facilities – and patients receive safe and effective care.

“We have made progress and the focus now is on discharging patients safely and appropriately before we can stand down from this status.”

Dr Tom Llewellyn, clinical director for emergency care at the Trust, added: “We are urging the public to think very carefully before attending our emergency departments. You may receive the care you need more appropriately and in a more timely fashion if you access other health services available.”

The health service options available to the public as outlined by the Trust:

- The local pharmacy is a great first port of call for minor ailments. Pharmacists are qualified to give advice on a range of conditions, are experts on medicines and can advise people on whether they need to call or visit another NHS service.

- If people are unsure about what health services to access, they can also call NHS 111.

- The Health Access Centres in Eastgate Street, Gloucester and Cassin Way, Cheltenham can see patients with illnesses such as chronic pain, stomach upsets, everyday infections and blocked ears. The centres have extended opening hours and offer a same-day service, however patients are encouraged to ring in advance (GHAC - 01452 336290) or (CHAC – 01242 548298/548299) to get an appointment time convenient to them.

- If a patient has a ‘flare up’ of a long standing illness such as kidney or lung disease, bronchitis, asthma or diabetes that is not responding to self-care or advice from their pharmacist, a call to their GP surgery is the best course of action to take.

- Community Hospital Minor Injury Units across Gloucestershire also treat a variety of injuries and illnesses such as sprains, cuts and wounds, minor fractures and minor head injuries. Compare live waiting times at www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk.

- You can find all the details for local services and get self-care advice at: www.choosewellglos.nhs.uk.

- Don’t access hospitals or health settings if you have Norovirus. Find out more about Norovirus: Combat Norovirus’.