Although pressure remains high across all hospital sites, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has stepped down the critical incident that was called on Wednesday 3 June.

Today’s decision reflects an improving situation helped by the 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.

With pressures expected to continue, 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 Urgent Treatment Centres for swift treatment.

High numbers of inpatients were a leading factor in the need to declare a critical incident, the public is also asked to assist by collecting friends or loved ones ready for discharge as quickly as possible.

The step down from critical incident does not mean the severity of challenge facing the Trust has reduced and strategic support will continue over the weekend. All efforts remain focussed on ensuring the service 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, Dr Nick Ward, Hampshire Hospitals’ deputy chief medical 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.

“Although stepping down from a critical incident is positive and testament to the hard work of our staff and the support of system partners, we are not out of the woods yet. It is vital we continue to make progress in achieving patient flow to ensure we are able to treat patients in most need of care.”

Separately, British Medical Association strike action among resident doctors is expected to start on 15 June until 19 June. Planning is underway to minimise disruption to patients; however, it is important the public knows where to access health services when needed, whether that’s their GP, local pharmacist, ringing 111 or using 111.nhs.uk.  The emergency department is always available for life or limb threatening emergencies.