Leighton Hospital reopens to new patients (From Congleton Guardian)

Leighton Hospital reopens to new patients

10:44am Wednesday 17th December 2008

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PHIL Morley, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said this morning he was pleased to report that, after a busy afternoon, Leighton Hospital was last night reopened to all new patients.

He said: “The respite provided by the six-hour closure enabled staff at Leighton Hospital and Victoria Infirmary, Northwich, to ensure all existing patients received an appropriate level of care without the additional pressure of new admissions.

“We continue to be busy, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff for their continued hard work and commitment to patient care.

"They really have been outstanding.

“As well as acknowledging the assistance provided to us by the Countess of Chester and Macclesfield Hospital, I’d also like to thank our local community for their support at a particularly busy time, and reinforce the message that the Emergency Department should only be used for emergencies.”

The coldest start to winter for 30 years has seen a higher than expected number of admissions via the Emergency Department.

Mr Morley added: “The hospital has a finite number of beds and staff.

"We see over 200 patients coming into the Leighton Hospital A&E department each day and, on Monday, over 80 of these required admission to a hospital bed.

"This is in comparison to the usual 40 admissions expected on a daily basis.

"Regrettably, yesterday, (Tuesday), we simply did not have enough beds or space to take in any more patients.

“We want to reassure the local community that we have taken all necessary actions to address the situation including opening an additional two winter wards to increase the number of beds available in our hospitals.

“We continue to work with Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, social services, local nursing homes and GPs to ensure only patients who absolutely require a hospital bed remain as patients in Leighton Hospital.

"Where possible, we will be asking GPs and nursing homes to look after those patients who are medically well enough to be moved to a more appropriate location.

“We have needed to cancel a number of routine operations and are asking those patients who may be affected to bear with us until we can reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

“Unfortunately, a number of staff are not able to come to work as a result of a cough and cold virus that is rife in the community at the moment, which has further impacted on the situation. Agency staff are also affected, significantly reducing the workforce available at this time.

“We would also ask for the help of our local community at this time.

"If you are able to spare a few hours, your skills may be valuable to us.

"Volunteers play a vital role in our hospitals.

"Please contact Linda Edwards, Voluntary Services Manager, at Leighton Hospital on 01270 612311.”

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