Two hospitals in Hampshire have declared critical incidents owing to sustained pressures amid high admission rates and number of patients requiring isolation. Hampshire Hospitals says there has been an "unusually high" level of winter viruses since the turn of the year. As part of its critical incident response, the Trust is looking to discharge patients who no longer require acute care and limit the number who need admission at its Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.
To help ease pressures, a critical incident has been declared at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital where people are urged to only attend the emergency department for a life-threatening illness or injury and by collecting friends or loved ones ready for discharge at the earliest opportunity. Julie Dawes, chief nurse for Hampshire Hospitals, said: “This year has seen an unusually high level of winter viruses with a significant number of patients presenting with respiratory issues.
"There are two ways the public can help at this time. Firstly, by only attending our Emergency Departments if acutely unwell or injured. Secondly, by collecting loved ones who are ready for discharge. "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.”.
