No capacity at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals as critical incident declared

A critical incident has been declared by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Basingstoke and Winchester.

Beds at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital are full and attendance at emergency departments is high.

In a statement, the Trust announced there is no capacity to admit further patients.

A high admission rate, a high number of infectious patients needing isolation and a low discharge rate are said to be contributing to "sustained pressures".

The Trust is urging people to only attend A&E for a life-threatening illness or injury. Anyone collecting a friend or loved one is being asked to do so at the earliest opportunity.

Those with non-urgent and non-life-threatening conditions are being asked to contact NHS 111, GPs, pharmacies or urgent treatment centres.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse for Hampshire Hospitals, said: "There are two ways the public can help at this time: firstly, by only attending our Emergency Departments if acutely unwell or injured; and secondly by collecting loved ones who are ready for discharge.

"A considerable number of beds are being used to care for individuals who would be more comfortable recuperating in a home setting.

"Our ward teams can help with medication or equipment so if you can, please have the conversation and collect loved ones; this will free up capacity for someone who in need of hospital treatment and care."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...