The National Health Service in England is facing severe strain as four separate hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, the highest alert level, following a dramatic surge in patients attending Accident and Emergency departments.
Surge in Winter Illnesses Overwhelms Hospitals
The crisis has primarily hit the south-east of England. Three trusts within the NHS Surrey Heartlands system – the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust – all escalated to a critical incident. They cited a "surge in complex attendances to A&E" made worse by significant increases in flu and norovirus cases, alongside higher levels of staff sickness.
In Kent, the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust also declared a critical incident, specifically at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. The trust reported "significant and rising demand for hospital care", with beds across its sites at full capacity. A statement highlighted that a large number of patients are arriving with winter illnesses and respiratory viruses, leaving "very limited capacity to admit further patients who need acute care".
Cold Weather and Staffing Pressures Exacerbate Crisis
Officials explained that the situation has been compounded by several factors. The recent cold weather has led to more frail and elderly patients requiring hospital admission. This seasonal pressure, combined with the rapid spread of contagious viruses like flu and norovirus, has created a perfect storm for emergency services.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands, stated: "Due to extreme pressures, today hospitals and the ICB in Surrey Heartlands have taken the decision to escalate to a critical incident." She sought to reassure the public, adding that while some non-urgent appointments may be affected, essential services remain fully open for those in need of urgent medical help.
NHS Pleads for Public Support and Understanding
Hospital leaders have praised staff working under immense pressure and appealed for public cooperation. Sarah Hayes from East Kent Hospitals said teams were "working tirelessly" to provide safe care. The trusts are taking all possible steps to increase capacity for urgent treatment.
The public is urged to use services wisely to help ease the burden. The NHS advises that anyone with a life-threatening emergency should still call 999. For other urgent medical needs, people should contact NHS 111 online or by phone for advice on the most appropriate service, helping to keep A&E departments free for the most critical cases.
