Why have NHS hospitals declared critical incidents?

NHS hospitals declared critical incidents due to exceptionally high demand, driven by surges in flu, norovirus, and respiratory cases, compounded by staff sickness.

What are the consequences of a critical incident at NHS trusts?

Declaring a critical incident allows NHS trusts to take extra steps to focus on critical services, which may include rescheduling non-urgent operations and appointments.

Which NHS trusts declared critical incidents recently?

Recently, four NHS trusts in England (three in Surrey, one in Kent) declared critical incidents, with similar alerts also issued in Birmingham, Staffordshire, and parts of Wales.

Home / Health / NHS Hospitals Declare Critical Incidents Amid Surges

NHS Hospitals Declare Critical Incidents Amid Surges

13 Jan

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Summary

Four NHS trusts in England declared critical incidents due to high demand.
Surges in flu, norovirus, and respiratory cases strain hospital capacity.
Staff sickness exacerbates pressures, leading to cancelled non-urgent operations.

NHS Hospitals Declare Critical Incidents Amid Surges

Four NHS hospital trusts in England have declared critical incidents, reaching the highest alert level due to extreme pressure. Three trusts in Surrey and one in Kent are grappling with exceptionally high demand in their A&E departments. This crisis is driven by a significant surge in winter viruses, including flu and norovirus, alongside a rise in respiratory cases.

The current situation has led to total bed occupancy rates nearing full capacity, with a substantial number of beds occupied by flu patients. The cold weather has also contributed, increasing hospital admissions for vulnerable patients. To manage the surge and ensure critical services remain operational, some trusts have had to reschedule non-urgent appointments and operations.

This critical incident declaration follows warnings from leading doctors about the ongoing severity of winter viruses, exacerbated by holiday gatherings. The troublesome H3N2 flu strain is believed to be a major factor. Similar critical incidents have recently been declared in Birmingham, Staffordshire, and areas of Wales, highlighting a widespread strain on the NHS.