Hampshire Hospitals declares critical incident due to ongoing pressures

The Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident at its Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals, citing sustained pressures and challenges in patient flow.

For several weeks, these hospitals have experienced exceptionally high attendance rates at their emergency departments, coupled with increased admissions and reduced discharge rates.

This situation has severely limited the capacity to admit additional patients requiring care.

The decision to declare a critical incident, though difficult, will enable Hampshire Hospitals to adapt services and collaborate more effectively with system partners.

The focus will be on improving discharge processes to allow patients to recover in appropriate non-acute hospital settings.

Patients seeking treatment for non-life-threatening conditions at these emergency departments may experience extended wait times during this critical incident.

For medical assistance, patients are advised to contact NHS111 for direction to alternative services, such as GPs, pharmacies, or urgent treatment centres.

To support the hospital during this time, the public is urged to only attend emergency departments for life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

Residents are also asked to promptly collect loved ones ready for discharge to free up hospital capacity.

Early medical advice from a GP or pharmacist for those feeling unwell is recommended to avoid hospital admissions.

Dr Nick Ward, deputy chief medical officer for Hampshire Hospitals, commented on the situation: "Declaring a critical incident in early summer is extremely unusual; however, it reflects the unprecedented attendance at our Emergency Departments as well as a high number of inpatients."

"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 needs hospital treatment and care."

Hampshire Hospitals is actively working to increase capacity for urgent emergency care and appreciates the community's support and patience during this period.

Patients scheduled for elective procedures and appointments are advised to attend as planned unless directly contacted by the hospital.

A short film featuring Dr Louisa Chan, an ED consultant at Hampshire Hospitals, provides further information about the services available during this critical incident.

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