It is unusual for trusts to be so short of beds during the summer months.
A hospital has declared an “internal critical incident” over a severe shortage of beds.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust declared the incident after admitting the highest number of COVID patients of the third wave.
The pressure on the trust has been compounded by a high number of A&E attendances.
Bosses at the trust declared the internal critical incident on Monday 23 August and have reassigned wards and staff specifically to cope with the demand.
The hospital has also cancelled routine surgeries and temporarily banned visitors to try to prevent the virus from being spread.
While this type of incident is relatively common in the winter, it is unusual for trusts to be so short of beds during the summer months.
Internal critical incident
Jo Beer, who is the chief operating officer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “The trust entered an internal critical incident on Monday.
“This is an internal protocol to focus all departments on immediate de-escalation actions whilst in OPEL4 (the highest level of escalation).
“The incident was declared due to high bed occupancy and a sustained high level of Emergency Department attendance converting into an above-average level of admission.
Members of the public are reminded to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“Our staff are here to help in an emergency, but the public are asked to consider all options when accessing urgent care, such as accessing NHS111 as a first point of call,” Jo added.
“In order to continue to reduce our Covid risk, vaccinations are still available at various locations across Devon and Cornwall.”
