Hospitals step down critical incident after pressures

Operations are back up and running after a hospital trust declared a critical incident.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust brought in the measure, due to sustained pressures at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals, in December.

An influx of patients suffering from winter viruses meant the incident continued through into the new year.

A hospital spokesperson warned they were "not out of the woods yet" and urged the public to continue supporting them.

The last critical incident was called last Thursday and a hospital spokesperson said the fact it had now been lifted was partly due to the "tremendous efforts of the public".

In a statement, the trust said: "The decision reflects an improving situation helped by the tremendous efforts of the public who have responded to the message that they should only attend the emergency department if in need of critical or lifesaving care, as well as Hampshire Hospitals' staff, and wider system partners."

Hospital staff have warned winter pressures are continuing and there will be an ongoing impact of a "severe strain of flu".

They said the public could continue to help by ringing 111 if unwell, speaking to local pharmacists and GPs, attending minor injury units and using paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage a fever, keeping warm and hydrated.

Chief operating officer for the trust, Andy Hyett, added: "Although stepping down from a critical incident is positive and testament to the hard work of our staff and the support of our system partners, we are not out of the woods yet and are unlikely to be for many weeks to come."

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