Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust declares critical incident

The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) has announced a critical incident at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in response to the unprecedented strain on the hospital's resources.

The high demand for services and a growing backlog have heavily strained the hospital and Emergency Department (ED). This pressure is causing significant delays, potentially affecting emergency care for community patients.

Representatives from PHU said: "We are facing a critical situation where our hospital and Emergency Department are operating at full capacity. The combination of delays throughout our system and an upsurge in service demands has resulted in intolerable delays for patients, elevating the risk for those needing an immediate emergency response in the community."

The strain on the hospital has been building up over recent weeks, amplified by challenges following the Bank Holiday weekends and escalating winter pressures coupled with lower staffing levels, notably in the Emergency Department.

In an urgent plea to the community, PHU has urged individuals to reserve Emergency Department visits strictly for life-threatening situations that cannot be addressed elsewhere.

Patients whose needs do not warrant emergency care will be redirected to more suitable facilities, enabling the hospital to focus on providing critical assistance to those in immediate need.

Bosses at PHU said "Utilise NHS 111 Online or contact 111 for guidance on the best course of action for seeking medical advice. Options such as local pharmacies, Urgent Treatment Centres, or GP practices are viable alternatives for non-emergency medical care."

Despite the overwhelming demand, PHU reassures the public that emergency services will continue to be accessible to individuals requiring urgent medical attention. Patients with scheduled appointments have been requested to adhere to their planned visits unless directly contacted by the hospital for rescheduling purposes.

"Our primary focus remains on delivering safe and expedited care to patients in urgent and emergency situations, as well as those currently receiving inpatient care within our hospitals," emphasised a spokesperson.

Acknowledging the strain on resources, PHU implores the Portsmouth community to aid in alleviating hospital congestion:

• Facilitate the timely discharge of patients ready to return home.
• Reserve Emergency Department visits solely for emergencies.
• Explore alternative care avenues such as Urgent Treatment Centres, Pharmacies, primary care, or seek guidance from NHS 111.

PHU is collaborating closely with partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, all taking concerted actions to enhance capacity and support within their respective services.

The Trust expressed gratitude for the community's understanding and support during this challenging period and urges collective cooperation in relieving the hospital's strain.

For additional information on seeking appropriate medical care, the public is encouraged to visit PHU's website. |newtab)

PHU reiterated its dedication to delivering efficient and safe patient care while acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of its staff in managing the current situation.

However, they firmly underscored that the prolonged waits in the Emergency Department and for hospital admissions remain unacceptable, apologising to patients and the community for the inconvenience caused.

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