Shrewsbury and Telford's hospitals trust declare a critical incident

Some non-urgent operations will be suspended

Author: Luke O'ReillyPublished 14th Aug 2022
Last updated 14th Aug 2022

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin's health and care system has declared a critical incident due to "continued and unprecedented pressure" on its services.

In a statement, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust said that it is continuing to see "significant" levels of Covid-19 at its hospitals combined with high numbers of patients arriving for other conditions.

The Trust added that it is experiencing extended hospital bed waiting times, staff absences due to Covid-19, and difficulties in discharging patients due to a lack of capacity across its care sector.

As a result, it will postpone some non-urgent operations, where patients require a stay in hospital, to prioritise patients "with the most urgent clinical need".

The Trust said that it regretted taking these steps.

"We regret that it has been necessary to take this step, but it is important that we focus on patients needing urgent and emergency care as a priority", the statement said.

"If you are not contacted directly about an operation being postponed, please continue to attend your appointment as usual.

"This critical incident is an indication of the serious pressure the system is facing. We are working extremely hard to ensure people are kept safe but there are ways that you can help.

"Our teams are continuing to work exceptionally hard, and we would like to reassure the public that despite the challenges faced, our services remain open for anyone who needs them."

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