A health trust that runs several hospitals in Lincolnshire, including Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital, says they remain “fully open” despite announcing a “critical emergency” due to the number of staff off sick.
An internal email sent by the the United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust (ULHT) leaked to The Times national newspaper revealed the special measures were announced on Saturday (January 1) as “staffing levels are stretched across all services”.
It states the “internal critical incident” was put in force “due to extreme and unprecedented workforce shortages meaning that we are unable to maintain safe staffing levels.
“This is resulting in compromised care across our hospitals and an inability to maintain a number of key pathways, including those around stroke and cardiac care.”
Today, Tuesday January 4, ULHT medical director Dr Colin Farquharson said: “As a result of significant staffing pressures due to absence related to COVID-19, we are having to take additional steps to maintain services.
“Our staff continue to work exceptionally hard and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them, so people should continue to come forward for care.
“People can help us to help them by getting their COVID booster vaccine to protect themselves and their families and reduce pressure on health services.”
