Hospital critical incident stood down on day three

A critical incident at East Surrey Hospital has been lifted after three days, the trust that runs the hospital said.

Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust declared a critical incident on Thursday, telling people with respiratory conditions, including Covid-19, not to visit unless there was a booked appointment.

Patients and visitors are required to wear a face mask in all clinical areas due to an increase in respiratory infections.

A spokesperson for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: "Thanks to the extraordinary measures we have taken and the hard work of our teams over the last 48 hours, we are now able to step down from Critical Incident to Business Continuity.

"This ensures we can continue to take the necessary steps to support patient care.

"Our services however remain very busy, and work continues to address the ongoing challenges we are seeing across our East Surrey site from winter viruses and increased demand.

"We therefore continue to ask the public to consider the best NHS service for their needs – using 111, pharmacies, GPs and urgent treatment centres or minor injury units for non-urgent medical help, and only attending the Emergency Department if you are seriously ill or your condition is life-threatening."

Other hospitals in the area have reported being "very busy".

Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust said the public can help manage periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services.

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