Devon emergency departments are under extreme pressure

Several Devon hospital emergency departments report very high numbers of seriously ill patients and long waits, and trusts say staff are prioritising the sickest patients.

Emergency departments at several Devon hospitals are reported to be under extreme pressure, NHS trusts said. The NHS Royal Devon Trust said its emergency departments had high numbers of very unwell patients. University Hospitals Plymouth said the emergency department at Derriford Hospital was very full and patients faced exceptionally long wait times. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust described Torbay Hospital's emergency department as incredibly busy. Key points: - NHS Royal Devon Trust reported high numbers of very unwell patients in its emergency departments. - University Hospitals Plymouth said Derriford Hospital was very full and patients faced exceptionally long wait times. - Trusts said they are prioritising the sickest patients, asked that only essential carers accompany people in emergency departments, and referenced other services such as NHS 111 and urgent treatment centres for non-life-threatening needs. Summary: The pressure is affecting patient flow and how services are managed, with trusts prioritising the most seriously ill and working to move patients to the right place as soon as possible. Undetermined at this time.