What is a critical incident at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust?

A critical incident is declared when a healthcare organization faces significant pressure, impacting its ability to provide services, such as due to high patient demand.

Why did the NHS trust declare a critical incident?

The trust declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in demand for services, exacerbated by the prevalence of flu and other winter viruses after the new year.

Has the critical incident at the NHS trust concluded?

The critical incident status has been downgraded to a business continuity level, indicating improvements, but the situation is still being closely monitored.

Home / Health / NHS Trust Eases Critical Incident Status

NHS Trust Eases Critical Incident Status

22 Jan

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Summary

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS trust has downgraded a critical incident.
The trust cited increased demand from winter viruses after the new year.
Improvements mean the incident is now at a business continuity level.

NHS Trust Eases Critical Incident Status

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has downgraded a critical incident that was declared on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The trust had been experiencing significant pressure across its sites, including Ipswich and Colchester hospitals. This situation arose due to increased demand for services following the new year, attributed to a rise in flu and other winter viruses.

Improvements have since been observed, prompting the trust to reduce the incident status to a business continuity level. This allows for ongoing daily monitoring to ensure the delivery of safe and compassionate care for all patients. The interim chief executive expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding during this period.

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