'Major incident' being stood down in Essex
It was declared in December amidst the coronavirus pandemic
The 'major incident', which was declared in December in Essex amidst the coronavirus pandemic, is being stood down.
It comes as the Essex Resilience Forum has said health systems are now in a "stable state" across Greater Essex.
The forum declared the 'major incident' on 29 December, 2020, in response to a "significant growing demand" on hospitals and health and social care services.
It allowed the county to seek further support from Government to address pressures.
Yesterday (2 February), Essex Resilience Forum - a group comprising the NHS, blue light responders and local authorities - agreed the decision to stand down the major incident declaration.
This is said to signify that the health system across Greater Essex is "stable and in control".
Although the health systems are still facing pressure, it was agreed the systems that have been put in place, alongside the national lockdown and cooperation of Essex residents, has meant the county has moved into a more stable situation.
Anthony McKeever, executive lead for Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, said:
"It has taken a considerable effort by our teams throughout health, care and beyond to begin to turn the tide in our fight against coronavirus.
"Strong partnerships supported us to respond effectively when significant numbers of our residents needed hospital care for coronavirus, exceeding far beyond those seen at the peak of the first wave.
"Through the support of our local communities, the rates of infection are beginning to drop, which in turn supports the NHS to continue to care for those most in need.
"Pressures persist and the threat has not gone away yet.
"So, there is much still to be done.
"I thank all those hard-working colleagues who continue to work tirelessly in extremely difficult circumstances.
"They need us all to follow the rules so that partners across Essex can keep working together to support delivery of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme."
Meanwhile deputy chief fire officer of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and co-chair of the Essex Local Resilience Forum, Rick Hylton, added:
"When the major incident was declared, the pressures on the health system were mounting.
"Today, Essex Resilience Forum has agreed to stand down the major incident declaration, as our health systems are in a stable state.
"I would like to thank all our health colleagues who have and continue to do an amazing job, supporting our communities across Essex.
"Our ask is that Essex residents continue to do the right thing.
"You have been magnificent and are only dialling 999 or attending A&E in an emergency – we need this to continue because this will help protect the capacity available at our hospitals.
"Please stay safe; work from home if possible, follow the social distancing rules, and only travel if absolutely necessary."