Four NHS trusts declare critical incidents over high demand

Four NHS hospital trusts in Surrey and Kent have declared critical incidents because services are under sustained pressure from high emergency demand and seasonal illnesses.

Four NHS hospital trusts have declared critical incidents as their services face significant ongoing pressure. NHS Surrey Heartlands said the situation has been made worse by rising flu and norovirus cases and an increase in staff sickness. The affected Surrey trusts are Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust declared a separate incident at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. Officials reported a surge in complex A&E attendances and challenges discharging patients as drivers of the pressure. What is known: - Four hospital trusts have declared critical incidents in Surrey and Kent. - NHS Surrey Heartlands reported rising flu and norovirus cases and increased staff sickness as contributing factors. - East Kent Hospitals Trust said bed occupancy is very high and demand at emergency departments is exceptionally high. - Trusts have said they may need to reschedule some non-urgent operations and appointments while prioritising urgent and cancer care. Summary: Services across the affected trusts are under sustained strain, with very high emergency attendance and limited capacity to admit further patients. Trusts say they will take additional measures to maintain safe services and prioritise the most urgent clinical needs. Undetermined at this time.