Four NHS hospital trusts declare ‘critical incidents’

It comes amid a rise in flu and norovirus cases

NHS Surrey Heartlands said in a statement that these pressures have been "exacerbated by increases in flu and norovirus cases and a rise in staff sickness".

Furthermore, it highlighted the impact the recent spate of cold weather has caused with "more frail patients" needing hospital care.

Surrey Heartlands consists of three trusts which have been affected, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Meanwhile the fourth to declare a critical incident is East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust which is due to "sustained pressures" at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

A statement from Surrey Heartlands advised the public on how to help the NHS manage the period of high demand.

It wrote:

• People should continue to use pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centres, the NHS App and NHS 111 online or by phone 24/7 for urgent health advice
• People should only use 999 and ED for serious or life-threatening conditions or medical emergencies (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).
• Unfortunately, we may need to reschedule some non-urgent appointments to accommodate those patients with the most urgent clinical need. People should however continue to attend appointments unless they are contacted by the Trust to reschedule. Cancer and our other most urgent operations will continue to be prioritised. 
• If you have a loved one who is ready to be discharged from hospital we would be very grateful for your support in enabling that discharge as quickly and safely as possible.

A statement from Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands read:

"Due to extreme pressures, today hospitals and the ICB in Surrey Heartlands have taken the decision to escalate to a critical incident.

"This allows us to take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help us cope with the growing pressures.

"Unfortunately, this means local organisations may need to reschedule some non-urgent operations, treatments and outpatient appointments to accommodate those patients with the most urgent clinical need.

"People should attend appointments unless they are contacted; cancer and our other most urgent operations continue to be prioritised. 

"As a reminder, if your loved one is ready to be discharged from hospital we would be very grateful for your support in enabling that discharge as quickly and safely as possible.

"This helps to free up capacity in our hospitals for those patients requiring hospital treatment.

"Making sure you use services appropriately and only attend A&E if you have an emergency is also essential at this time, allowing our emergency departments to focus on those who really need their care.

"Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard and we would like to reassure patients and the public that despite the challenges faced and some changes to non-urgent appointments, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you do require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward."