Critical incident declared at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

A 'critical incident' has been declared at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust because of 'unprecedented high demand' for care.

Over the last week, attendances at Warwick Hospital's Emergency Department have been some of the highest they've ever experienced, the trust has said.

Due to the demand, they've seen a rise in waiting times they are asking the public to "help us manage this period of unprecedented high demand... [and] consider which service is right for them before seeking treatment."

This comes only a day after University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust also declared a critical incident.

A critical incident is declared when the level of disruption means hospitals are unable to deliver critical services and may not be able to operate safely.

On top of that the number of patients in hospitals in England with flu has quadrupled in the last month.

Non-urgent patients have been warned of long waits in A&E and have been urged to “consider other options," such as contacting their GP, visiting a pharmacy or calling NHS 111.

The trust added their teams are working "exceptionally hard, and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the current challenges, we will continue to provide high standards of care to those that need us."

In a statement, the NHS trust said: "The Minor Injuries Unit at Stratford can treat sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, minor eye injuries, animal bites and injuries to the back, shoulder and chest.

"This unit is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays every week, between 9am-5pm. Waiting times at Minor Injuries are often significantly reduced compared to the Emergency Department."

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