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NHS Trust Declares Critical Incident Amidst A&E Overload
15 Jan
Summary
- South Warwickshire NHS Trust declared a critical incident due to record A&E attendances.
- Patients face significant waiting times at Warwick Hospital's emergency department.
- The public is urged to use alternative health services for non-life-threatening issues.
A critical incident has been declared by South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting severe pressure on its emergency department. The trust reported that attendances at Warwick Hospital's A&E have reached unprecedented levels, leading to substantial waiting times for patients seeking care.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the trust is advising individuals to utilize alternative healthcare options such as NHS 111, local pharmacies, or general practitioners for non-life-threatening conditions. They also recommended the minor injuries unit at Stratford Hospital for suitable cases.
This situation follows a similar critical incident declared by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust earlier in the week due to "extremely high demand" across its services, including its emergency department at Royal Stoke University Hospital, indicating a wider strain on healthcare resources.
