Hospitals put on high alert

Shropshire’s two main hospitals were today at bursting point with staff being placed on the highest state of alert after being hit by a huge rise in emergency admissions.

The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal have seen a large increase in cases involving the elderly and young children suffering from chest infections.

Private facilities are being used to ensure sufficient beds and some day surgery cases have been cancelled.

Off-duty consultants have also been asked to come in to ensure there was no “bed blocking” and that well patients were being discharged on time.

Worried bosses at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust are now keeping a close eye on this weekend’s weather amid fears that freezing temperatures could lead to more people falling ill with res- piratory problems, adding to the pressure on already stretched services.

The Shropshire County and Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trusts today advised people to take “simple measures” to make sure that they keep warm and well to help avoid unnecessary admissions.
Read the full story in today’s Shropshire Star