Critical incident declared at 'extremely busy' Gloucestershire hospitals

The NHS in Gloucestershire has declared a critical incident as services face 'considerable pressures'.

People are being urged to only call 999 or attend the Emergency Departments in Gloucester or Cheltenham if they are in a life threatening condition or have sustained serious injury.

Bosses said health and care services across Gloucestershire are facing increased pressures due to high levels of flu and norovirus.

The Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, said: “The two Emergency Departments in Gloucester and Cheltenham are extremely busy, but all health services are dealing with very high levels of need.

"We are asking the public for their continued support over this period by only accessing the Emergency Departments if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury and to continue to use services responsibly.

"There are a range of alternatives available which can be accessed via www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. 111 in Gloucestershire can access a local doctor-led assessment service and is there to ensure people get the advice and care they need.

"The public can also follow local NHS social media channels to access daily advice on getting the right care and services for them.

"Finally, the pressures that colleagues are working under at the moment are challenging and we are very grateful to staff for delivering high quality care under these pressures. It is a real credit to their professionalism and dedication.”