Prioritizing Life-Threatening Cases: The Struggle of Devon Health Services Amid Mounting Pressures

Severe pressures on health services in Devon have led to a call to use 999 and accident and emergency services only for life-threatening cases. Winter pressures, staff sickness, and industrial action have caused major disruption and forced hospitals to implement measures such as reduced visiting hours and redirecting people from emergency departments to other suitable services. The situation highlights the strain on health services and the need for prioritizing life-threatening cases.

The Current State of Health Services in Devon

Devon's acute hospitals in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, and Barnstaple are seeing increased cases of norovirus. Strikes by junior doctors and a difficult start to the year have added to the challenges. The US FDA is evaluating reports of side effects in people taking medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, while the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reports a rise in influenza cases and three flu-related deaths in children. The FDA has cleared Florida's plan to import prescription drugs from Canada, and health officials across the US are requiring masks and limiting visitors due to rising respiratory virus cases and staffing shortages.

Derriford Hospital in Critical Condition

Derriford Hospital in Devon has declared a critical incident due to sustained pressure on the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The hospital's Emergency Department is very full, and patients with non-life-threatening conditions are being redirected to other healthcare services. Ann James, Chief Executive at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, has urged people to use other services such as NHS 111, pharmacy, or their GP if possible. The trust is prioritizing the sickest patients and asking for understanding and respect from patients, visitors, and families during this busy period.

Warning from Leading Medics

Leading medics have warned that NHS patients will suffer significant harm and trauma in coming weeks due to a perfect storm of pressure, including the longest strike in NHS history by junior doctors. Hospitals have declared critical incidents and are facing extreme heightened pressure. More than 20 derogation requests have been submitted by NHS trusts due to extreme pressures on services, but none have been approved. A new poll revealed that elderly people are less sympathetic towards the strike compared to younger people. The BMA has said junior doctors pay has been cut by more than a quarter since 2008.

Rising Hospital Admissions

Hospital admissions in England of people with flu or Covid-19 are at their highest level this winter, with health chiefs warning the peak in infections is still to come. The admission rate for patients with flu stood at 6.8 per 100,000 people, up from 5.1 the previous week. Covid-19 admissions stood at 5.2 per 100,000 last week. The rise in admissions is likely to put further pressure on NHS hospitals in England, which are currently facing the longest strike in history by junior doctors, higher-than-expected staff sickness, and a jump in other seasonal viruses.

Critical Incident Declared at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has declared a critical incident due to sustained pressure across the hospital, with high attendances to the Emergency Department over the last three days. They are redirecting non-emergency cases to other healthcare services such as NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centre, Minor Injury Units, local pharmacies, and GPs. The Chief Executive emphasized the importance of prioritizing the sickest patients and keeping services flowing for those in greatest need. Visitors are asked not to accompany patients unless necessary, and everyone is urged to be kind and respectful to staff during this busy period. The Trust emphasizes the use of the Emergency Department only for life-threatening emergencies. The wider NHS and local health and care system is also very busy.