Critical Incident declared at East Surrey Hospital amid rising demand
Public urged to use alternative NHS services for non-urgent care
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust have declared a Critical Incident at East Surrey Hospital due to unprecedented high demand on its emergency care services.
The current situation is being intensified by increased temperatures and difficulties in discharging patients, according to the trust.
The trust is calling on the public to assist in ensuring that care remains available for those most in need.
For non-urgent health advice, people are encouraged to use pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centres, the NHS App, and NHS 111, which is accessible online or by phone.
The Emergency Department and 999 should only be used for serious or life-threatening conditions.
Non-urgent appointments may be rescheduled to prioritise patients with the most pressing clinical needs.
Patients are urged to attend appointments unless contacted by the trust to reschedule, as cancer and other urgent operations remain a priority.
The trust is also appealing to families of patients ready to be discharged to support their swift and safe discharge from hospital.
Alternative NHS services available
Several alternative NHS services are available to manage non-urgent healthcare needs across Surrey and Sussex.
In Caterham, the MIU at Caterham Dene Hospital is open from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week.
The unit provides treatment for minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, and burns, staffed by qualified emergency nurse practitioners.
Crawley UTC is another option, located at Crawley Hospital and open seven days a week from 7.30am to 10pm.
The centre handles urgent but non-life-threatening injuries like sprains and fractures.
East Grinstead MIU at Queen Victoria Hospital offers daily services from 8am to 8pm, catering to minor injuries and ailments for both adults and children over one-year-old.
NHS 111 is accessible 24/7 for urgent medical needs that are not life-threatening, and pharmacists can provide advice and medications for common illnesses.
Chief Medical Officer's statement
Dr Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, emphasised the hospital's commitment to maintaining essential services despite the current challenges.
Dr Cetti said: "In response to the high levels of demand at East Surrey Hospital, alongside the need to act swiftly to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care, we have declared a Critical Incident.
"Our teams are working exceptionally hard to minimise disruption and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the current challenges, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them, so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.”
The public is reminded to attend East Surrey Hospital only in case of a life-threatening emergency.
For non-life-threatening conditions, it's recommended to use NHS 111 online or visit local pharmacies, GPs, or nearby treatment centres at Crawley, Caterham Dene, Horsham, and East Grinstead.