Basingstoke hospital declares 'major incident'
The NHS trust which runs the hospital say they are 'full'
Last updated 16th Dec 2024
A critical incident has been declared at Basingstoke and north Hampshire hospital.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was due to sustained pressures at their Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals. They blamed a high admission rate, a high number of infectious patients requiring isolation, and a low discharge rate.
The trust said the decision had not been taken lightly; but, beds across both hospitals were full and attendance at their emergency departments extremely high, meaning there was currently no capacity to admit further patients needing their care.
As part of the critical incident response the trust said they would be looking for support across the health system to discharge patients who no longer require acute care and limit the number that need to come to the acute hospital.
Capacity
Julie Dawes, chief nurse for Hampshire Hospitals, said:
“There are two ways the public can help at this time; firstly, by only attending our Emergency Departments if acutely unwell or injured; and secondly by collecting loved ones who are ready for discharge.
“A considerable number of beds are being used to care for individuals who would be more comfortable recuperating in a home setting. Our ward teams can help with medication or equipment so if you can, please have the conversation and collect loved ones; this will free up capacity for someone who in need of hospital treatment and care.
"We are doing all we can to increase capacity for urgent emergency care in our hospitals and we appreciate the public’s support and patience during this time."