As you may be aware, we made the decision on Thursday 8 January 2026 to escalate to Operations Pressure Escalation Level (OPEL) 4. Escalating to OPEL 4 is an important and rare decision and is based on the level of risk to patients and staff.
Whilst our hospitals remain pressured and there are still significant challenges in areas, we have now de-escalated back to OPEL Level 3 at Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
Whilst we have returned to OPEL 3, the sites remain fragile and we will continue to take OPEL 4 actions today to ensure we have a stable position over the weekend.
We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our clinical teams restore our services to operational capacity and we would like to thank our colleagues for their dedication and commitment to putting patients first during difficult circumstances.
What can you do to help?
The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services.
This winter, the NHS is encouraging people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time and to keep emergency services free for those who need them most.
Whether you're managing a long-term condition, caring for a loved one, or simply need advice for an unexpected health concern, there are more ways than ever to access NHS services quickly, easily, and on your terms.
- Your local pharmacist can help with a wide range of minor health issues. They are trained to offer oral contraceptives, the emergency contraceptive pill, and prescription medicines, if needed, for seven common conditions the same day.
- The NHS App puts essential services at your fingertips. You can order repeat prescriptions, manage appointments, receive reminders, and even check some
- Some GP Practices now offer online contact forms, via the NHS App or by logging in through the practice website. This may be an easier route to get in contact with your practice, especially for non-urgent enquiries. Submit your enquiry and your local surgery team will get back to you, either by phone, email or a message in the NHS App.
- NHS 111 is available 24/7 by phone, online, or via the NHS App. It offers trusted medical advice for urgent health needs and can direct you to the most appropriate local service including when your GP practice is closed, need dental treatment but are not registered with a dentist or have run out of medication.
- Should you need mental health crisis support, you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 at any time of day or night to speak to a trained professional.
- If you no longer need or are unable to make a health care appointment, make sure you cancel it so it can be reallocated to another patient. To cancel a hospital or community service appointment contact the number on your appointment letter, and for GP practice appointments cancel by ringing the practice or via the NHS App.
- If you are eligible for a covid-19, flu or RSV vaccine you can book an appointment. You can check If you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine via the NHS England website COVID-19 vaccine - NHS. You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment. The last date you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine is 31 January 2026. Online booking will close on 30 January 2026.
- If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can contact your GP surgery to book an appointment, book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you're aged 18 or over) or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccination.
- The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's offered on the NHS if you're pregnant, aged 75 to 79, or turned 80 after 1 September 2024. More information about how to get your RSV vaccine is available here RSV vaccine - NHS.
- A range of information is available as part of this year’s ‘Good Health Starts…’ campaign which is running throughout winter in Lancashire and South Cumbria on the ICB’s website.
Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.
