This morning (Tuesday, 7 January), Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident due to sustained pressures at our Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals. These include a high admission rate, a high number of infectious patients requiring isolation, and a low discharge rate.
This decision has not been taken lightly; however, beds across both hospitals are full and attendance at our emergency departments is extremely high, which means there is currently no capacity to admit further patients needing our care.
Attending our emergency departments for non-life-threatening conditions will mean an extremely long wait. If you need medical assistance, please speak to NHS 111, your GP, pharmacy, or urgent treatment centre. Advice and guidance can also be found at 111.nhs.uk
Please help us protect care for those who need it most:
- Only attend the emergency department for a life-threatening illness or injury.
- If a friend or loved one is ready for discharge, please help by collecting them at the earliest opportunity.
As part of the critical incident response, we are seeking support from across the health system to discharge patients who no longer require acute care and limit the number that need to come to the acute hospital.
Julie Dawes, chief nurse for Hampshire Hospitals, says: “This year has seen an unusually high level of winter viruses with a significant number of patients presenting with respiratory issues.
“There are two ways the public can help at this time; firstly, by only attending our Emergency Departments if acutely unwell or injured; and secondly by collecting loved ones who are ready for discharge. Our ward teams can help with medication or equipment so if you can, please have the conversation and collect loved ones; this will free up capacity for someone who in need of hospital treatment and care.
“Anyone suffering from a winter virus is advised to stay at home and rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to assist with managing symptoms.”
Everything is being done to increase capacity for urgent emergency care in our hospitals and we appreciate the public’s support and patience during this time.
We are currently reviewing patients scheduled for elective procedures and appointments. Unless you hear from us directly, please assume your procedure or appointment will proceed as planned.
