Norfolk and Norwich Hospital 'extremely busy' but no longer in 'critical incident' status
The Norfolk and Norwich is the latest local hospital to call for extra support this week - due to exceptional demand.
Last updated 2nd Nov 2023
A second Norfolk hospital has revealed it was forced to declare 'critical incident' status earlier this week, due to the amount of pressure on its services.
The Norfolk and Norwich has become the second hospital in the county, after the James Paget in Gorleston, to call for additional support from the NHS this week.
The hospital says it remains 'extremely busy', but critical incident status has now been stood down.
People are being urged to seek help from local pharamacies and walk-ins in their problems are not urgent.
A spokesperson from NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Our health and care system in Norfolk and Waveney is extremely busy at this time."
"We thank people for their patience and understanding while staff work really hard to provide care during increased demand for our services.
“We are working hard to improve how patients flow through our hospitals and are discharged once they have received their treatment.
"We would ask anyone who has a family member in hospital who is ready to be discharged to speak with staff around how they might be able to provide support such as transport to help them continue their recovery at home.
“It is really important people do not delay seeking help from the NHS if they feel unwell.
"However, we would encourage people to only attend an Emergency Department or call 999 if they have a serious accident or genuine emergency, like chest pain, breathing difficulties, signs of a stroke or bleeding that won’t stop.
“If people need urgent health help, please visit NHS 111 online or call 111 to be directed to the most appropriate health service.
"Local community pharmacies, the Minor Injury Unit in Cromer and the Walk-In Centre in Norwich are also available if you need health help."