Royal Liverpool Hospital declares critical incident amid overwhelming demand
It follows a rise in cases of flu
Last updated 7th Jan 2025
Royal Liverpool University Hospital has declared a critical incident, amid overwhelming demand.
It follows a rise in cases of flu and respiratory illnesses, which is putting extra pressure on emergency departments.
Hospitals can declare a critical incident when there are concerns it may lose its ability to deliver critical services, patients have been harmed or the environment is not safe.
A spokesperson said the hospital has a "comprehensive plan" in place to make sure safe care continues.
However, patients are being asked to consider using alternative services, in non-emergency cases.
A statement issued by the Royal Liverpool University Hospital group said: “We have seen an increasing number of people with flu and respiratory illnesses in our Emergency Departments in recent weeks.
"If you are attending our EDs, patients and visitors should follow some additional infection control measures to help curb the spread of winter viruses such as flu and norovirus.
"This includes practicing good hand hygiene, only visiting the areas they need to in our hospitals and wearing masks in clinical areas if asked to do so.”