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Bluebell Lodge opens to take pressure off A&E
A new ward opened at Ormskirk Hospital this month to provide extra beds
for patients over winter. Up to 22 patients can be accommodated at Bluebell
Lodge in what was an unused ward. Contractors worked round the clock on the
£120,000 project to ensure it was ready for cleaning and furnishing just before
Christmas.
Bluebell Lodge is for patients who are ready to go home from Hospital at either
Southport or Ormskirk, but whose care package or other arrangements are not yet
in place.
No patient will spend more than 3 days there and care will be led by nurses.
Simon Featherstone, Director of Nursing at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS
Trust, said:- "Like many Hospitals we often have patients whose discharge
is delayed because the continuing care they need isn't ready at home. These
delays reduce our bed stock, slow the admission of new patients and put pressure
on care in A&E. Bluebell Lodge is a key plank of our winter plan. It keeps patients ready for
discharge safe and cared for while freeing up valuable medical beds for those
who need them."
Simon added that everyone has a role in keeping Hospital care for people who
really need it. "Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, general
aches and pains, and flu will usually clear up on their own. Keep warm, drink
plenty of fluids and, if appropriate, treat with over the counter painkillers
such as paracetamol. You should contact a GP or
the GP out of hours service for help with injuries or illnesses that won't go
away."
A&E was for people facing emergencies and life-threatening situations such as
serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.
Simon added:- "That's why you might be better examining your options 1st
and choosing another NHS service; or even treating yourself."
Alternatively, West Lancashire Health Centre at Ormskirk Hospital is open from
8am to 10pm, all year round. Skelmersdale NHS Walk in Centre at The Concourse is
open from 7am to 10pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm, on weekends. Plus local pharmacies and NHS Choices are also a good source of information and
advice.
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