Critical incident ends at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital
Longer wait times are still expected, and people are being urged to call 111 or visit their local pharmacy or GP for non-essential illnesses
Last updated 16th Jan 2024
A critical incident at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital has ended.
It was declared on Monday following "severe pressure" being placed upon services due to a shortage of beds.
But the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust confirmed on Tuesday that those pressures have started to ease.
They add that longer waits for treatment are still expected, and are continuing to urge people with non-essential illnesses to call 111, or attend their local pharmacist or GP.
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, says she's "grateful" to those who have helped to ease pressures on the hospital's services.
"However, we are still seeing significant demand upon all our services across the Trust, including a high number of patients waiting for treatment in our emergency department," she said.
"Our main focus continues to be providing care for patients who need urgent or emergency care, and those who are receiving inpatient care in our clinical sites."