Portsmouth QA Hospital declares critical incident
Bosses say 'demand is far outstripping capacity'
Last updated 11th Oct 2022
Portsmouth's QA hospital has declared a critical incident - as bosses say 'demand is far outstripping capacity'.
We're told the A&E department in Cosham is now operating a 'strict redirection to alternative services where necessary'.
People are being reminded the unit is for life-threatening conditions only.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust said: "We have declared a critical incident this morning to prioritise all capacity for emergency response only to protect patient safety.
"Demand for an emergency response is far outstripping the capacity available in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire at this time.
"Our capacity will only be used for life threatening conditions or injuries and our Emergency Department (ED) is operating a strict redirection to alternative services where necessary.
"We are working closely with our partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who are also taking all critical incident actions to provide capacity in all services
"Thank you for all your support during this difficult and busy time."