Hospitals in Gloucestershire have declared a critical incident amid “immense strain” and “significant pressure” brought on by high levels of flu, norovirus and demand. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has asked people to only come to the emergency department for serious or life threatening conditions – such as extensive bleeding, unconsciousness or difficulty breathing.
Hospital bosses of Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals made the announcement on Facebook and urged people to stay at home if have flu or norovirus symptoms. Leaders said declaring a critical incident means staff can take “urgent action” to free up capacity, relieve pressure on emergency departments and get ambulances back on the roads faster.
Gloucestershire NHS’ website currently shows 106 people waiting in the emergency department, with an average time in the department of 11 hours.
Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals said: “We need your support as Gloucestershire’s health services face significant pressure. Please only call 999 or visit the Emergency Departments in Gloucester or Cheltenham if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury.”
It is the latest NHS Trust in the South West to announce a critical incident in recent days, following Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Others include hospitals in Birmingham, and Liverpool. Hospitals can declare critical incidents when they may struggle to deliver critical services, which could put patient safety at risk.