Hospital patient numbers 'horrendous' amid critical incident in Hampshire
Patients at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital have been speaking to ITV Meridian's Derek Johnson amid the critical incident.
A patient at a Hampshire hospital, where a critical incident has been declared, has described the number of people in the wards as "horrendous".
Susan Hillyard was admitted to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital on Monday afternoon, after being sent there by her doctor.
The hospital is so busy that she had to be moved, along with others in a similar position, to a part of the building that's been set up as a dispersal area.
Susan said: "It was horrendous. There were people everywhere and no-one knew what they were doing. A few people were getting angry.
"It was quite upsetting because there were just so many people who were ill. It did cross my mind whether people were there because of Covid or flu and I did wonder if it was flu, should they just be at home recovering at home.
"The doctors and nurses are amazing, as they always are and they're doing the best they can in such terrible circumstances."
Susan Hillyard, patient
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident at its Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals on Tuesday (08/01) amid high winter pressures.
All 400 ward beds at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital are full, as are the beds at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.
It's the second time that a critical incident has been announced by the Trust in recent weeks.
Julie Dawes, Chief Nurse, Hampshire Hospitals
Julie Dawes, Chief Nurse, Hampshire Hospitals said: "The current situation is all our beds are full and we have got patients experiencing long delays in the emergency department and we have opened additional capacity.
"The thing that has kind of tipped us over is the extreme pressures being created by flu and cold symptoms and then frail people and those with chronic conditions getting the flu or a cold and worsening their conditions.
"None of us like to not be able to give the care that we want to give, so that is really hard.
"I would really like to apologise for those patients that have come in and have had long delays. But our staff have been amazing and I would like to pay tribute under some really difficult circumstances they carry on doing an amazing job every day and giving good care to patients. I'm really grateful to them."
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".
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "Across the local NHS, we are doing everything possible to make sure people continue to get the care they need at this very busy time.
"We are seeing very high numbers of people needing hospital care and this does mean that some people may have to wait longer than we would like to access some services.
"It is very important people help us to help you by using appropriate services if you do need support, treatment and care. This ensures they are getting the care they need and means services can run effectively for other people.
"This is particularly important for our emergency services and departments who need to be able to respond quickly to treat people who are most acutely unwell and injured.
"Most people at this time of year can self-care for coughs and colds at home or seek support from their local pharmacy.
"If you need further medical assistance and are not sure where to go NHS 111 online or calling NHS 111 is a great source of information and can signpost you to further support. It's also not too late to get protected from winter bugs by getting your flu or covid vaccine.
"I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the staff who are working so hard during this pressured time."
University Hospital Southampton is among other hospitals in the country who say they are also under "significant pressure" due to high demands in the emergency departments.
The Trust is encouraging people to still attend their scheduled appointments unless they are contacted directly and told otherwise.
Meanwhile, East Sussex Hospitals Trust announced on Tuesday it was temporarily limiting visitors to one per patient per day to reduce the impact of flu, with certain exemptions in place for the likes of end-of-life care and special baby care.
Last week, NHS data revealed the number of people in hospital with flu in England was more than four times the level it was a month ago, with officials warning cases were “rising at a very concerning rate”.
Data being released later this week is expected to show another rise in the number of people admitted to hospital because of flu.
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