Four NHS hospital trusts in England have declared critical incidents following a surge in A&E admissions, driven largely by flu, norovirus, and respiratory viruses. The trusts, three in Surrey and one in Kent, reported that the high demand has compromised their ability to deliver services safely.
NHS Surrey Heartlands said the situation at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust was exacerbated by rising flu and norovirus cases and increased staff sickness. The recent cold weather has also impacted frail patients requiring hospital admission.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital due to significant demand, with beds at full capacity and limited space for acute care. The trust cited high admission rates and a large number of patients with winter illnesses.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, joint chief medical officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands, said: “Due to extreme pressures, today hospitals and the ICB in Surrey Heartlands have taken the decision to escalate to a critical incident.” She reassured the public that essential services remain open and urged those needing urgent help to come forward.
Sarah Hayes of East Kent Hospitals said staff are working tirelessly under immense pressure and are doing everything possible to increase capacity. She urged the public to use 999 for life-threatening emergencies and 111 for other urgent care.
