NHS critical incident declared by four hospital trusts in southern England

Four NHS trusts in Surrey and Kent have declared critical incidents after A&E departments saw large increases in patients linked to flu, norovirus and staff sickness; hospitals say emergency care remains available but waits and bed delays are likely.

Four NHS hospital trusts in southern England have declared critical incidents after A&E departments experienced a large rise in patient numbers. Trusts reported increases in flu, norovirus and other respiratory illnesses alongside higher staff sickness. Three of the trusts are in Surrey and the fourth is in east Kent. Trust leaders said the escalation is intended to create extra capacity and manage emergency care safely. Current situation: - Trusts reported a surge in complex A&E attendances linked to flu, norovirus and increased staff sickness. - Three trusts are based in Surrey and one is in east Kent. - Trusts have escalated to the highest alert level to free up capacity while emergency care remains available. - Hospitals warned that patients may face longer waits for A&E, ambulances and inpatient beds. Summary: The declarations signal that hospitals are taking system-wide measures to increase capacity and manage patient flow, and that emergency services remain available albeit with likely delays. Officials said they have escalated to critical incident to mobilise additional support across the system. Undetermined at this time.