Critical incidents stood down at two hospitals

Critical incidents at two hospitals in Staffordshire have been stood down, hospital bosses said.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust enforced the measure at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford from Monday afternoon.

Trust bosses said thanks to the swift actions of staff they were able to quickly manage the demand on emergency and urgent care services.

It was the second critical incident declared so far this year by the trust, with the first declared on New Year's Day and lasting until 14 January.

Katy Thorpe, chief operating officer at the trust, said declaring a critical incident helped the hospitals take additional measures to "maintain safe services for our patients".

The trust made a plea to patients to only use the A&E services in a serious or life-threatening emergency.

"We are still experiencing winter pressures, as you would expect for this time of year," a spokesperson said.

Examples of incidents that need immediate medical attention include chest pain, loss of consciousness, acute confusion, severe blood loss, serious burns, broken bones, or suspected stroke.

For other conditions, the trust said walk-in centres, GPs, pharmacies and the NHS 111 phone line would be able to offer advice.

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