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Critical incident stood down at hospitals

Google The front exterior of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. It is a large light blue panelled building with a sign on top. There is an ambulance parked outside with its rear doors open. There is a grassy roundabout on the right and a pedestrian crossing straight ahead.Google
The public are still being asked to only visit hospitals in Gloucester or Cheltenham in the case of an emergency

Critical incidents declared by the NHS in the West of England have been stood down, but hospital trusts have warned "significant pressures" still remain.

The critical incidents were declared last week by NHS Gloucestershire and NHS Somerset due to high levels of flu and norovirus and a surge in demand.

It allowed health bosses to take immediate steps to create capacity, help discharge patients and relieve pressure on emergency departments.

However, the public is still being urged to only call 999 or attend the emergency departments in the case of a "life-threatening condition or serious injury".

Although services are now on a more "stable footing", levels of seasonal illness and need remain very high, NHS Gloucestershire said.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust added that while pressures had been alleviated, it remains "extremely busy" at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and Yeovil District Hospital.

A spokesperson continued: "At times of high demand, our emergency departments can become extremely busy, if you can, please try to attend alone, as space is currently very limited in the waiting areas."

Seventeen ambulances lined up outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital at night.
Dozens of ambulances were queuing outside A&E at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

The NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said GP practices and community services are also facing huge challenges during a particularly difficult winter season.

Chief medical officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, commended staff for going "well beyond the call of duty for their patients".

"We would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to health and care professionals in practices, community services, hospital wards and departments and emergency services for their superb efforts during an incredibly challenging period," he said.

"We would also like to thank patients and the public for their understanding and support and for continuing to follow our Click or Call First campaign messages to get the right care."

The NHS advised visiting a community pharmacy for minor health issues, calling your GP for advice on self-care, and taking up the flu vaccination to prevent it from spreading further.

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