Hospital declares critical incident because all beds are full
People are being urged to collect loved ones who are ready to be discharged
A critical incident has been declared at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth because it is full.
Bosses said demand for urgent and emergency care is far outstripping its capacity.
They are calling on the community to help clear beds by taking relatives and friends homes as soon as they are ready to be discharged.
An incident is declared when there are concerns a hospital is so full it is on the verge of not being able to provide critical services.
Dr John Knighton, medical director at the hospital said: "As soon as a person is medically ready to leave hospital, they should be discharged to their place of residence.
"Every time one patient leaves hospital it helps a further four patients move through the hospital to ensure they get the care they need in a timely way.
"This means the emergency department is free for those that need lifesaving care, and ambulances are able to quickly return to the community to provide emergency support to people."