Trust declare critical incident declared amid high demand
Record attendances at the Emergency Department are impacting waiting times
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has declared a critical incident due to unprecedented demand on its services.
In a statement yesterday (14/1), Warwick Hospital’s Emergency Department confirmed they were experiencing record attendances, significantly affecting the time it takes for patients to be seen. The Trust has warned that waiting times can be much longer than usual and is advising those attending to come prepared for potential delays.
Space in the Emergency Department has also been impacted, so the Trust is asking people to minimise the number of companions they bring.
Public advice during high demand
The Trust is calling on people to consider which service they need before heading for treatment.
Emergency care should be reserved for life-threatening conditions, including unconsciousness, severe chest pains, breathing difficulties, persistent confusion, and bleeding that cannot be stopped. For minor injuries like sprains, broken bones, or burns, the Minor Injuries Unit at Stratford offers treatment with shorter waiting times. The unit operates every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am-4pm.
For common conditions, pharmacies can provide treatment and prescription medicine without needing a GP appointment. NHS 111 online is available for advice on winter virus symptoms, and flu vaccines can be accessed at local drop-in clinics.
The public is also urged not to visit hospital if feeling unwell or to avoid visiting vulnerable individuals in the community if showing symptoms of winter illnesses.
Supporting loved ones after discharge
For patients ready for discharge, recovery is recommended at home. Families are asked to ensure their loved one has essentials like food, water, and medication, a safe and warm environment, comfortable clothes, and transport for their return.
Scheduled appointments and reassurance
The Trust has confirmed that, unless otherwise instructed, scheduled appointments should be attended as normal.
Despite ongoing pressures on the Emergency Department, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust reassures the public that teams are continuing to provide care to high standards.