Hospital on ‘high alert’ as 22 ambulances seen queuing outside A&E – latest NHS trusts issuing warnings
A HOSPITAL has been placed on ‘high alert’ after demand for emergency care hit critical levels – with up to 22 ambulances seen queuing outside.
NHS trusts up and down the country have warned of the extreme pressure A&E departments have been facing, as they battle a surge of winter virus cases, including the flu.
A queue of 22 ambulances stretched out in front on Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Monday night.
Facing a surge in demand due to season illnesses, the hospital was left working its highest level of escalation, the BBC reported.
This meant needed external intervention and support in order to ensure patient safety and get back to normal capacity.
A spokesperson from the trust told Sun Health that there are no longer 20-plus ambulances lined up outside the hospital – with just two this morning.
People were urged to only attend A&E or call an ambulance if their condition was serious or life threatening.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the number of patients requiring admission for seasonal illnesses was reaching peak levels.
Emergency departments at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General are very busy and patients might be waiting “longer than we would like”, they added.
“We are seeing a lot of patients with flu and some are quite unwell. The number requiring admission, and occasionally intensive care or respiratory high care, is increasing to levels not seen for some time,” the spokesperson said.
“In response we’ve established cohort bays and wards in line with best practice infection prevention and control standards.”
The trust’s website shows live A&E waiting times at each hospital, with patients visiting Gloucestershire Royal expected to wait at least three hours to see a clinician.
The Gloucestershire Royal Hospital is one of number of trusts seeing a surge in patients attending A&E and accessing services.
Salisbury District Hospital and Great Western Hospital in Swindon
In the west of England, Salisbury District Hospital and Great Western Hospital in Swindon have warned of a very busy period.
Salisbury District Hospital has urged people to consider “alternative” methods of care.
The hospital posted on social media: “Our hospital is very busy. We ask that you consider alternatives such as your GP, local pharmacy, and out of hours, Salisbury Walk In Centre.
“If you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital you can visit NHS 111 online or use the NHS app. Patients should only call 999 or attend A&E if it is an urgent or life-threatening health emergency.
“However, it is really important that patients who do need urgent medical care continue to come forward in emergency and life-threatening cases, and our services will be there for these people.
“If people attend our A&E Department with a minor injury or concern, please be patient as the wait may be longer than usual as critical cases will be prioritised.
“We also kindly ask you to not visit patients if you have any virus symptoms.”
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust hospitals
Meanwhile, the Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust – which serves patients in the north and northeast – pleaded with patients not to attend A&E unless it was a “genuine emergency”.
“Those who don’t require urgent emergency treatment will have a long wait to be seen, as we prioritise the patients most in need,” the trust’s statement read.
“Please only attend if it’s absolutely necessary and consider alternative options for minor ailments, such as visiting your GP or pharmacist.
“If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111 for advice.”
In a separate social media post circulated on January 1, the trust reminded patients that hangovers or a dodgy tummy don’t warrant a trip to A&E.
The hospital said: “Overdone the New Year celebrations? If you’re nursing a hangover or your guts are giving you grief, try seeking help from your local pharmacy today.”
When you should call NHS 111 or go to A&E
NHS 111 is the best place to get help if you cannot contact your GP or if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a non-life-threatening situation.
If you’re not sure if you need to go to A&E, you should get hep from NHS 111.
You should visit an A&E department for genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or scalds
- Stroke
- Major trauma such as a road traffic accident
Less severe injuries can be treated in urgent care centres or minor injuries units.
Source: NHS
Southampton General Hospital
Meanwhile, patients in the Southampton area were urged to only head to emergency departments for “life or limb-threatening situations” as hospitals face significant pressure.
In a post to X on New Year’s Eve, Southampton General Hospital chief medical officer Paul Grundy said the service was “incredibly busy” with “huge numbers of patients turning up to the emergency department every day, more than 400 a day at present”.
He said: “Due to the high presence of flu and Covid and other infectious diseases, the hospital itself is very busy and under a lot of pressure with very few beds.”
Aside from asking patients to avoid A&E outside of emergencies, Paul asked people visiting family members or loved ones in hospital not to do so if they noticed any signs of “infectious illness”, including cold and flu symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals
Separately, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands also declared a critical incident due to increased numbers of patients seeking hospital care for respiratory illnesses.
It comes as a yellow cold health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The alert, in place for four days, warns there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people.
What’s causing pressure on NHS services?
In a statement on New Year’s Eve, NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said increased pressure on services across the country was due to multiple viruses circulating at once.
The “quad-demic” of flu, Covid-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is continuing to put pressure on services, he explained.
He added: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.
“And secondly, I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today and on Thursday and Friday.
“Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”