A very big thank-you to everyone during this  exceptionally challenging week for us all.

Throughout this week we have been seeing exceptionally high levels of patient demand meaning we have been at a purple REAP – resourcing escalatory action plans - level with patient demand as high as it was during very those very busy weeks nationally  in January.  We will be reviewing the position this afternoon and I hope that we will be able to reduce this to red.

I particularly want to thank the on-call medical staff who have stayed on after their hours to keep our  services flowing through our A&E departments.   Pressures in the community have also added to the situation and we are working with our local authority colleagues to ensure there are enough community beds for our patients who are medically ready to leave us.

We must continue to keep care moving for our patients so I would ask that the Plan for Every Patient board on each ward are up to date and expected discharge dates are in place at the earliest point.

Thank you for all your commitment and dedication. At a seriously busy time CHFT has again come together to deliver safe care with compassion for our patients.

Saj Azeb Assistant Divisional Director for Medicine.