A critical incident has been declared at a Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust due to prolonged waits for patients in corridors. The emergency was announced as both Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital faced overwhelming demand, resulting in extensive delays in the A&E department.
The surge in demand is primarily driven by an increase in respiratory illnesses, with a significant portion of adult beds occupied by patients above 80 years old. Additionally, a considerable number of patients are staying in the hospital longer than required, exacerbating the capacity crisis and placing immense pressure on hospital staff.
To alleviate the strain on services, Andrew Hall, NUH’s chief operating officer, advised individuals to carefully assess the necessity of visiting A&E. While urging those with emergencies to seek immediate care, he recommended others to consult local pharmacies or call 111 for guidance. Patients with scheduled appointments were encouraged to attend unless instructed otherwise.
Hall acknowledged the substantial pressures faced by hospitals, leading to extended waiting times for patients. Despite continuous efforts to manage the situation, declaring a Critical Incident was deemed essential to safeguard patient well-being. He expressed regret for the prolonged waiting periods experienced by patients and emphasized the importance of prompt discharge for those fit to leave the hospital.
Notably, NUH had previously declared a critical incident due to heightened demand, winter-related infections, and staff absences post-Christmas, resulting in significant delays in emergency services and hospital wards. The public was reminded to utilize A&E services only in cases of emergencies or serious accidents.
This development follows critical incident declarations by four NHS hospital trusts in South East England, involving a surge in complex A&E admissions.
