Four NHS trusts in England declare critical incidents after surge in A&E admissions

Four NHS trusts in Surrey and Kent have declared critical incidents after a surge in A&E admissions linked to increases in flu, norovirus and other respiratory illnesses.

Four hospital trusts in England have declared critical incidents following a sudden rise in attendances to emergency departments. The trusts are three in Surrey and one in Kent. NHS Surrey Heartlands and East Kent hospitals reported the increase is linked to higher cases of flu, norovirus and other respiratory viruses, together with rising staff sickness and recent cold weather. Declaring a critical incident allows hospitals to take immediate steps to create extra capacity. Reported details: - Critical incidents were declared at Royal Surrey, Epsom and St Helier, Surrey and Sussex, and at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital in East Kent. - Trusts said the rise in A&E demand is driven by flu, norovirus and other respiratory illnesses, and that staff sickness and cold weather have worsened pressure on services. - Hospitals reported beds are at or near full capacity and there is very limited ability to admit further patients needing acute care. - Trusts stated essential services remain open while some non-urgent appointments may be changed, and they are working to increase capacity. Summary: Emergency departments are under sustained pressure and hospitals report limited capacity to admit additional patients. Trusts have escalated to critical incident status and are taking immediate measures to create more capacity; the duration of the situation is undetermined at this time.