Royal Surrey Hospital Declares Ongoing Critical Incident

The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust has declared a Critical Incident due to significant pressure on its services, particularly within the Emergency Department. The situation has persisted since earlier this week, with high attendance rates and insufficient inpatient bed availability contributing to the crisis.

Details of the Critical Incident

This declaration is part of the National Health Service’s (NHS) escalation process, allowing the Trust to prioritize essential services and implement additional measures to ensure patient safety during this period of exceptional demand. In a statement, the hospital emphasized the importance of utilizing available healthcare resources effectively.

The Trust encourages the public to seek alternatives to Emergency Department visits for non-life-threatening conditions. In particular, they recommend utilizing community healthcare services such as pharmacies, GP practices, and walk-in centres, alongside the NHS App and NHS 111, which is accessible 24/7 for urgent health advice.

Public Guidance and Support

Dr. Bill Jewsbury, Medical Director at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the hospital. He stated, “Royal Surrey is currently experiencing extremely high demand, placing significant pressure on our services. Declaring a Critical Incident allows us to take further action to maintain safe care for our patients and manage these increasing pressures.”

To assist the hospital during this time, the public is asked to adhere to several guidelines:

• Only call 999 or visit the Emergency Department for serious or life-threatening conditions.
• Attend scheduled appointments unless contacted by staff to reschedule.
• Support the timely discharge of patients who are medically fit to leave the hospital.
• Follow infection prevention measures, including good hand hygiene and wearing masks in the Emergency Department.
• Avoid visiting if experiencing respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Dr. Jewsbury further urged the public to use healthcare services appropriately. “If you need urgent help or advice and are unsure where to go, please contact NHS 111,” he said.

Despite the current challenges, the hospital reassures the public that essential services remain operational. Staff members are working diligently to manage the situation and provide care to those in need. The Trust appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as they navigate this critical period.