Bosses at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital are urging the public to only come to A&E if their condition is life-threatening.
Pressure in the hospitals has increased over the last few days with increasing number of patients with coronavirus and the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust is asking the public to help make sure they remain able to support people with the most urgent needs.
Dr Rod Harpin, medical director, said: “The position in north Cumbria is reflected across the UK, but as we see a rise in COVID cases in our hospitals it is really important that the public do their bit to help us.
“For health conditions that are not life threatening please visit your GP, pharmacist or call 111.
“Health professionals are on hand on 111 every day of the week, 24 hours a day and can make sure you get the most appropriate help in a timely way.
“We need to act now, if cases continue to increase then we will need to make some very difficult decisions to make sure that we have space and staff to treat our patients.
“We are also reminding the general public that visiting remains suspended across all of our sites, please do not attend to visit any patients unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Rod added: “Coronavirus can be deadly. This is especially true for those who have underlying health conditions or older people.
“It is so important that we do not become complacent, please do not come into contact with anyone you don’t need to, please wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds, wear facemasks when in public areas and please make sure that you’re following the social distancing guidance.”
