Hospital services in Shropshire under "extreme pressure"
The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has declared a critical incident.
The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has declared a critical incident, as leaders confirmed services are under "extreme pressure."
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford - run by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (SaTH) - are seeing high levels of A&E admissions.
Staff are also said to be dealing with high volumes of very sick patients from winter viruses such as flu, Covid, and norovirus.
Dr Nick White, Medical Chief Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Shropshire, said: “Our hospitals are under extreme pressure right now due to the high demand for urgent and emergency care services and ambulance handover delays.
"Regrettably, this means that patients are having to wait long times to be seen in our A&Es. We appreciate your patience during potential delays.
"Colleagues are working tirelessly to provide prompt and safe care for all and are working hard with all partners to improve patient movement through the hospital, increase capacity, and speed up discharges to free up beds.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and remain committed to prioritising patients with the highest needs.
“There are ways people can help their local NHS. Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them.
"We are asking anyone who feels they need urgent care to consider using their local Minor Injury Unit which have expert clinicians that can treat a range of conditions, and local pharmacies are open seven days a week to offer advice and over the counter medications.
"Please only use A&E if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency.”
What does declaring a Critical Incident mean?
A critical incident is the highest alert level used by the NHS.
It allows leaders to take immediate steps to create capacity which includes opening additional beds in all organisations, standing down non-clinical activity, and building in additional support from services such as rapid response, virtual ward and social care.
A spokesperson for the SaTH Trust said it wanted to reassure patients and the public that despite the challenges, essential services are fully open for anyone who needs them.
Patients are being urged to consider if it's a real emergency, before attending A&E, with alternative services in the community for minor health conditions.