What is happening at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham?

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, along with other hospitals in the trust, has declared a critical incident due to extreme pressures from a flu outbreak.

Why have Birmingham hospitals declared a critical incident?

The hospitals declared a critical incident because of a significant increase in flu patients and high demand for beds, stretching services.

What should I do if I have a minor health issue in Birmingham?

For minor health issues, consider using Urgent Treatment Centres, pharmacies, NHS 111, or your GP practice instead of going to the A&E.

Home / Health / Birmingham Hospitals Declare Critical Incident Amidst Flu Surge

Birmingham Hospitals Declare Critical Incident Amidst Flu Surge

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A critical incident was declared by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Extreme pressures stem from a significant surge in flu cases requiring hospital admission.
Hospitals urge patients to consider alternative services for minor health needs.

Birmingham Hospitals Declare Critical Incident Amidst Flu Surge

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has announced a critical incident, citing extreme pressures across its services. This alert affects Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope, and Solihull Hospitals, all of which are experiencing immense demand in their A&E departments and inpatient areas.

The surge is significantly attributed to an exceptional number of flu patients requiring hospital admission. Currently, there are 269 flu patients within the trust's sites. This situation has led to prolonged wait times and stretched resources, prompting the urgent declaration.

In response, the trust is advising local communities to carefully consider how they access healthcare. For minor health concerns, individuals are encouraged to utilize alternative services such as Urgent Treatment Centres, local pharmacies, NHS 111, or their GP practice, thereby alleviating pressure on emergency departments.