Health bosses in Nottinghamshire say they are working to manage pressures after a critical incident was declared by Nottinghamshire University Hospitals Trust (NUH) on Wednesday, September 28. Officials at the trust, which runs QMC and City Hospital, say discharging patients is an "ongoing challenge" and that waiting numbers in hospitals are high as a result.
The NHS trust has postponed non-urgent operations as it prioritises patients with the "highest level of need". To reduce pressure on emergency departments and ambulances, people are also being asked to use NHS services like the 111 phone line and urgent treatment centres where possible.
A critical incident is declared when the level of disruption results in a local NHS organisation temporarily or permanently losing its ability to deliver critical services. A similar situation is under way at Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust, which has also seen extended waiting times to access beds in hospitals.
Read More: County council announces further £100 vouchers for struggling families across Nottinghamshire
Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “We are working across the local NHS and social care to manage service pressures. This allows us to put measures in place to ensure that people can continue to safely access emergency services when they need them.
"I am sorry 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. Please continue to attend for your appointments or procedures unless you are contacted."
Ms Sullivan continued: “We are asking people to only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a life-threatening emergency. If you are unsure where you should go, contact 111 first to make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.
"It is very important we all do our bit to help maintain our services for those who need them the most. The NHS is here for you and if you have any health concerns, please do visit your pharmacy, GP or visit an urgent treatment centre.”
Lillian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said: “I am deeply concerned that NUH has been required to declare another ‘Critical Incident’ this year, having only just entered the autumn.
"With some elective operations postponed and lengthening waiting times in our Nottingham hospitals, the impact of 12 years of Conservative mismanagement and under-resourcing of our NHS could not be clearer. This is part of a national crisis, with the collapse of emergency care across England perhaps costing the lives of up to 500 people every week.
"We need to rebuild our NHS with the staff, equipment and modern technology needed to treat people on time. Patients deserve better, rather than more of the same old Tory failures.”
UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Dave Ratchford said: “Only with decent wages and working conditions will the NHS be able to hang on to experienced staff and attract the new colleagues it needs to stop these critical incidents from happening. In every part of the NHS and care, severe staff shortages mean people are going without treatment and support for too long.
“Rather than cut taxes and boost banker bonuses, the government must show it’s genuine about solving the cost-of-living crisis. Ministers should stop holding down the pay of care workers, paramedics, hospital porters, nurses and other key workers so crucial to improving the experiences of patients and those in need of care.”
Read Next:
