"Major Incident" Could Be Lifted Within Days

18 November 2014, 07:08 | Updated: 18 November 2014, 07:20

The MP for Colchester says the "major incident" status at Colchester Hospital could be lifted within "a few days".

It was put in place last week following a suprise visit by the Care Quality Commission, which then raised "safeguarding concerns" about the A&E department.

The hospital has said it is struggling with the demand on its services and urged the public to only go to the emergency department if their condition is serious or life-threatening.

Sir Bob Russell says he met with the Health Secretary about the crisis yesterday: "Based on what Mr Hunt told me this evening, it is my belief that the 'major incident' will be lifted within a few days.

"Having discussed the term "major incident" with Monitor and the Secretary of State, I believe that it conveys to the general public a state of affairs which is misleading - and that a more accurate descriptive use of words should be used.

"It would appear that in NHS terminology a 'major incident' - which is what we currently have at Colchester General Hospital - is when there is an 'escalation protocol within hospitals' whereby measures are taken to reallocate resources, principally staff in this case notably to A&E to ease the pressures there and consequent pressures on beds.

"However, with the hospital in 'special measures' the use of the phrase 'major incident' has arguably over-stated the reality of the situation. That is not to say that there are significant concerns which the Care Quality Commission has identified - and these need to be addressed, which Mr Hunt and Dr Moore assure me is happening.

"While over the years I have received complaints from patients and members of their families about their experiences at Colchester General Hospital, it is fair to say that expressions of gratitude are considerably greater.
I wish to again place on record my appreciation to the medical and support staff at Colchester General Hospital. I am keen to do what I can to support them. Negativity can be so demoralising."

Sir Bob also said he spoke to the Interim Chief Executive of the hospital, Dr Lucy Moore, and will meet her later today.

Last week Dr Moore said some non-urgent operations had been postponed because of a shortage of beds.