“Patients in the emergency department (ED) at Weston overnight are safe and well cared for. When a patient stays in ED overnight they are transferred from a trolley to a hospital bed exactly as if they were in another ward. We have strong, clinically agreed escalation procedures for times when the hospital faces surges in demand that have been in place for over a year with no confusion. The staffing levels are right for the number of patients in the department and every patient is looked after by a clinical lead responsible for their care.
The beds in Uphill Ward have become available as in partnership with our commissioners and community partners we have transferred a number of rehabilitation beds out of the hospital. This capacity is initially being used to allow ward refurbishments to improve the quality of care for our patients ahead of the winter period. It will then be used during times of increased demand on inpatient services.”