Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has stepped down the critical incident that was called on Tuesday 7 January due to sustained pressures at our Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.
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.
As winter pressures continue, with the ongoing impact of a severe strain of flu having an impact on the local population, the public is asked to continue supporting our teams by:
- Ringing 111 or using 111.nhs.uk for help and advice if unwell.
- Speaking to local pharmacists and GPs.
- Attending Minor Injury Units or Urgent Treatment Centres.
- Undertaking self-care: using paracetamol or ibuprofen as instructed to manage a fever, keeping warm and hydrated.
A further important way the public can assist is by collecting friends or loved ones who can be discharged.
The step down from critical incident reflects the fact that crucially needed bed capacity and flow has been achieved; however, all efforts remain focussed on ensuring the Trust does not return to critical status, protecting the ability to provide care for those who need it most.
Speaking about the decision to step down from a Critical Incident, Andy Hyett, Hampshire Hospitals’ Chief Operating Officer says: “We are enormously grateful to the public for the way in which they are supporting our staff by only coming to the Emergency Department if seriously ill or injured.
“Treating those who need us most is our priority and the public’s efforts is making a real difference. 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.
“We ask that people continue seeking treatment and healthcare elsewhere unless very unwell.”
Attending our emergency departments for non-life-threatening conditions will still mean an extremely long wait.