Two of Bristol's major hospital trusts have taken the extraordinary step of declaring a critical incident as services face overwhelming pressure this week.
The University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) announced the rare measure on Tuesday, revealing that their emergency departments are experiencing "very long waits" due to exceptionally high demand.
Healthcare System at Breaking Point
In a statement that underscores the severity of the situation, trust officials confirmed that all beds across the healthcare system are currently occupied. The declaration of a critical incident represents one of the highest levels of emergency within NHS operational procedures.
This drastic measure enables hospital management to implement exceptional measures to manage the crisis, potentially including cancelling non-urgent appointments and procedures to free up staff and resources for emergency care.
Patient Impact and Response
The trust has issued urgent guidance to the public, advising that only those with genuine life-threatening emergencies should attend A&E departments. For less serious conditions, patients are being directed toward alternative services including NHS 111, local pharmacies, and GP practices.
Hospital officials emphasised that despite the challenging circumstances, staff are working tirelessly to maintain patient safety and provide care to those most in need.
Broader NHS Pressures
This incident in Bristol reflects wider challenges facing the NHS across the country, with many trusts reporting similar pressures during the winter months. The declaration serves as a stark reminder of the strain on healthcare services and the difficult decisions facing medical professionals daily.
The trust has committed to keeping the public updated as the situation develops and has thanked staff for their extraordinary efforts during this period of unprecedented demand.
