Luke Pollard MP Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
I’m very concerned about the pressure on Derriford hospital right now. The critical incident declared by on Monday is ongoing and serious.
–
Waiting times are very long and there are more patients arriving in the Emergency Department all the time. I am incredibly concerned about the situation and have spoken to the Hospital CEO.
–
I want to thank the amazing Derriford Hospital and ambulance staff for going the extra mile to help patients and look after huge numbers of very poorly people at the hospital right now. NHS staff are working their socks off and this crisis is not their fault.
–
I place the blame for this deepening winter crisis firmly with Ministers. I am writing to the Health Secretary to ask her for support to address the crisis at Derriford and the crisis in primary care.
–
In the meantime, we can all try do our bit to help take the pressure off Derriford Hospital. If you have a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk – you should still call 999 immediately. Patients who require urgent treatment, but do not have symptoms of a life-threatening condition, should call 111 or 111 online. If you have a minor illness or minor injury, you should try local GP surgeries and pharmacies.
–
The Urgent Treatment Centre at the Cumberland Centre in Devonport is open every day to treat you if you have an injury which isn’t life-threatening, but requires urgent treatment.
First Response is Plymouth’s 24/7 mental health crisis line. Staff are on hand to provide support to you or a loved one in a mental health crisis: 0800 923 9323.
–
If you are collecting someone please pick up them up from Derriford as soon as they are medically fit to be discharged. Helping your loved one to return home will help the NHS care for those people who are acutely unwell and there are a lot of them in the hospital at the moment.
–
We can’t go on like this with serious and deepening critical incidents.
–
Plymouth deserves better.
–
Our NHS deserves better.