Four hospital trusts have announced critical incidents due to significant and prolonged pressures on their services. The situation has been exacerbated by a rise in flu and norovirus cases, coupled with staff absences. NHS Surrey Heartlands mentioned that the recent cold weather conditions have also contributed to increased patient admissions.
Critical incidents have been declared by three trusts in Surrey, namely Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Additionally, due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has also declared a critical incident.
Surrey Heartlands issued a statement explaining that the critical incidents were declared to ensure safe and high-quality care for patients amid surges in complex A&E attendances and challenges in discharging patients. The escalating situation is further compounded by a rise in flu and norovirus cases, staff sickness, and the impact of cold weather on frail patients requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands, emphasized the need for critical incident escalation to maintain safe services amidst mounting pressures. Non-urgent operations, treatments, and outpatient appointments may need rescheduling to prioritize patients with urgent clinical needs. Patients are advised to attend appointments unless contacted, with priority given to cancer and other critical operations.
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust also declared a critical incident due to a high volume of Emergency Department visits and patients awaiting inpatient ward admissions. Efforts are underway to discharge patients safely and enhance hospital flow, urging the public to access appropriate healthcare services for their needs.
The trusts mentioned operate various hospitals within their regions, including Royal Surrey County Hospital, Haslemere Hospital, Milford Hospital, Cranleigh Village Hospital, Epsom Hospital, St Helier Hospital, East Surrey Hospital, and other healthcare facilities in their respective areas.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust manages five main hospitals in East Kent, namely the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, William Harvey Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Buckland Hospital, and the Royal Victoria Hospital.
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