Unprecedented demand at Peterborough City Hospital's Emergency Department

The Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been moved to issue a statement asking people to consider whether they need to visit the Emergency Department at the hospital in Bretton.

The statement follows a 40 per cent rise in the number of people the hospital would have expected on a normal Sunday and Monday.

Neil Doverty, chief operating officer, said: “This weekend Peterborough City Hospital has seen an unprecedented number of attendances in its Emergency Department.

“On Sunday and Monday our staff treated some 700 patients over the two days, which equates to 40 per cent more patients than the usual average attendance for a Sunday and Monday. We also received an unusually high number of ambulances.

“On Sunday we received 133 ambulances, 33 more than predicted. On Monday staff received 104 ambulances, 14 more than predicted.

“Our greatest priority is to treat patients who require our urgent attention. We therefore appeal to members of the Peterborough and Stamford public to think about the treatment they need before they come to A&E.

“If your condition is not urgent, or if you are unsure about the severity or urgency of your condition, call NHS 111, visit your local chemist, GP or the Minor Illness and Injury Unit at the City Care Centre in Thorpe Road.

“We also run a minor injuries unit at Stamford Hospital which is open from 9-5 weekdays.

“The Trust would like to thank members of the public for their consideration at this time.”