QMC is in its second ‘black alert’ of winter because of an ‘unprecedented number of ambulance arrivals.’
The QMC has said unprecedented numbers of ambulance arrivals to the Emergency Department since Monday afternoon has contributed to pressure on emergency services.
Black alert is the highest level of alert and means that the hospitals are under severe pressure and are struggling to cope with the amount of people that need their services.
A hospital being placed on black alert is reported as a ‘serious incident’ to NHS England, which can be reported when a service at the hospital is threatened.
‘Serious incidents’ are also reported where one or more patients, staff members, visitors or members of the public experience serious or permanent harm or alleged abuse.
QMC issued its first black alert of the winter on November 29.
The hospital is urging people only to attend their emergency department in a real emergency following an ‘incredibly busy 24 hours.’
We ask the public to consider alternatives
There are currently long waits to be seen and treated.
Chief operating officer Caroline Shaw said: “Yesterday we experienced high numbers of ambulance arrivals to our ED.
“By 1pm, we had received the amount of ambulances we normally receive in a 24 hour period.
“The was also an increase in more poorly patients presenting and requiring admission to hospital.
“We ask the public to consider alternatives such as walk-in centres, minor injury units, calling 111 or pharmacies for minor injuries or illness advice to help relieve the pressure on our services.”
People are being advised to only come to ED if it’s for serious, life-threatening conditions that need immediate medical attention including persistent severe chest pain, loss of consciousness, acute confused state, severe blood loss, serious burns, suspected stroke.
You should only call 999 or visit the Emergency Department in a real emergency; QMC’s emergency department remains open.
- Call 111
If you need help fast but don’t think it’s a 999 emergency, you can call NHS 111. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to call from landlines and mobile phones.
It can signpost you to a range of local health services, including doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late opening chemists. The 111 service can also put you in contact with the GP out-of-hours service, which can arrange for you to see a doctor or nurse during evenings and weekends if needed.
- Visit the NHS Urgent Care Centre
The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-9pm. It deals with non-life threatening injuries and health problems. You don’t need an appointment to attend.
Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA
Tel: 0115 883 8500
- Contact your out-of-hours GP service
If you or your family needs urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed phone the usual surgery number and your call will be re-directed to the GP out-of-hours service (Monday to Friday 6.30pm-8am, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 24 hours).
- Visit your local pharmacy
If you need advice for minor health problems you can speak to your pharmacist for on-the-spot advice and remedies for a wide range of problems such as stomach upsets, coughs and colds, cystitis and emergency contraception.
