Inside Greater Manchester’s hospitals as highest pressure level declared

Greater Manchester hospitals are facing serious pressure, frequently moving in and out of the NHS’s highest alert level, OPEL 4. This comes as winter brings increased illness, including a rise in flu and norovirus cases. Currently, the region’s hospitals are averaging 94.6% bed occupancy, with all acute trusts surpassing 90%. Many patients are stuck in hospitals due to delays in finding suitable post-discharge care. Though some hospitals are coping with high A&E volumes, the situation is becoming difficult. The acting CEO of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, Colin Scales, noted that before Christmas, pressures were manageable, with hospitals around 80% full, but currently, they’re under “significant duress.” Health leaders are keeping an eye on the situation, especially with a predicted cold snap that could worsen pressures. Overall, while some hospitals have reached OPEL 4 in the past week, the entire region hasn’t sustained this level, but ongoing challenges remain.

Read the full article at Manchester Evening News