Operationally it has been an exceptionally challenging start to the new year. We have seen high attendances in our Accident and Emergency departments continued from the Christmas period. With the high level of acuity and low number of discharges, we had all our additional capacity open over the new year.

We have also started to see staff sickness rise. Along with the travel difficulties experienced over the weekend and the lack of availability of both bank and agency cover, our staffing levels have been under significant pressure. Thanks to all those who went above and beyond to get into both our hospitals and provide our community services over the past weekend.