How can we alleviate hospital overcrowding this winter?

As we approach the peak of winter, there is often a significant rise in seasonal flu, COVID-19 cases and a number of patients awaiting medical care.

Consequently, hospital staff can struggle to deal with the excessive number of visitors that currently exceed availability of space. In fact, according to The Guardian, “more than four-fifths (83%) of the emergency doctors surveyed between 7 and 13 November said patients were being cared for in corridors, which can leave people stranded for hours on trolleys or chairs, while more than half (51%) had seen patients forced to wait outside emergency departments in ambulances.”

What challenges may come from this? 

• Reduced availability of ambulances for 999 callers
• Indignation and frustration of patients
• Further stress on staff
• Safety hazards from cluttered hallways
• Faster spread of germs due to high capacity in one space

We understand the difficulty here and our frameworks can go some way to help with some of the above.

Our Emergency Response, Rescue Equipment and Associated Services framework can provide NHS and Blue Light organisations with solutions including a selection of emergency shelters and medical response equipment. This extra space can allow medical staff to support individuals in need, without the overwhelming demands from busy waiting rooms and hospital corridors.

With the support of our awarded suppliers, medical teams can gain access to the following equipment:

LOT 6

• Defibrillators  
• Heat retaining/ thermal blanket  
• Torches  
• First aid kit  
• Resuscitators  
• Evacuation chairs/ drag mat

LOT 7

• Pop up shelters 
• Decontamination shelters 
• Medical tents 
• Inflatable emergency tents  

The extra space and supplies could serve as an alternative source for medical attention for individuals with specific needs. It could also help to prevent a backlog of ambulance usage, which would allow paramedics to aid to other callers. These are just a few examples, amongst many other potential uses for emergency shelters, that would all in turn support in the reduction of overcrowding in hospitals.

To find out more information, visit here or get in touch: pscustomerenquiries@csltd.org.uk

References:

Doctors warn of ‘massive’ winter crisis in UK’s overstretched A&E departments | NHS | The Guardian