Hampshire healthcare services face challenges after fire at Southampton General Hospital
Loss of more than 200 beds impacts hospitals and GP practices across region
Healthcare services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are facing significant challenges due to the disruption caused by a fire at Southampton General Hospital, which resulted in the loss of over 200 hospital beds.
As a consequence, patients are being transferred to nearby hospitals in Portsmouth, Winchester, and Basingstoke, while GP practices, community providers, and local authorities work to deliver care closer to home.
The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board declared a system-wide major incident following the fire on Sunday 1st February.
Statement from Chief Medical Officer
Dr Lara Alloway, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Chief Medical Officer, has highlighted the impact of the fire on healthcare services in the region.
“Thanks to the amazing efforts of emergency services and our teams in Southampton, the fire was put out and patients quickly moved to safety,” Alloway said.
“The teams at Southampton General Hospital are now working hard with the support of all partners across Hampshire to get services back running as normal as quickly as possible.
“However, I need to be really clear, the impact of the fire is not over.
“The long-term knock-on effects of the loss of bed space in Southampton, and the increased demand at other hospitals as a result, will last for some time and be felt much wider than the Southampton area.
“This will create significant challenges for all our services at what is already one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS.”
NHS advice for residents
As recovery efforts continue, the NHS has issued advice to residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help alleviate pressure on services:
Only attend local emergency departments if your condition poses a risk to life or limb
Use 111 online or call 111 for advice if unsure which service to use
Continue using GP and community pharmacy services as normal
Think Pharmacy First for minor illnesses; they can now offer prescription medicine for seven common conditions without seeing a GP
Utilize Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injuries Units for non-life-threatening urgent medical needs
Actively support hospital discharge plans for loved ones ready to return home to free up beds
Avoid visiting loved ones in hospital if experiencing illness, particularly norovirus
These measures are intended to support healthcare services during this challenging period.