Northants NHS bosses say demand for services has increased
The ICB has declared a critical incident
Bosses say they have been managing on-going pressures since December and today it has reached the point where the decision has been taken to declare a critical incident.
Combinations of patient demand, increased attendances and admissions to hospitals due to viral infections including flu and wider environmental factors across the region, we're told, has led to this level of escalation.
Dr Naomi Caldwell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Northamptonshire ICB said:
“This has been one of the most challenging winters we have ever experienced in the NHS, and we have taken this step today to ensure we can continue to deliver a safe level of care to our local population, while we work together to resolve it.
“We are today asking local people to help us by choosing which service to access when they are unwell, and only calling 999 or attending A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency."
Maria Laffan, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS Northamptonshire ICB added:
“If you need urgent health support, please continue to come forward as needed and don’t wait if your condition is becoming worse but please access alternative services where possible and continue to use 111.nhs.uk for 24-hour help and advice.
“We would like to reassure the public that all our emergency services remain open, and we thank them for their co-operation, patience and understanding.”
This takes into account pressures at Northampton General and Kettering General Hospitals.
We're told alternative services for non-life threatening situations can also include Corby Urgent Care Centre.