Four NHS Trusts in England have declared critical incidents.
Hospitals say they’re under ‘significant and sustained pressure’ from high flu and norovirus cases, as well as complex A-and-E admissions, and staff sickness.
Affected areas are: Royal Surrey, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
The latter warned beds are full.
Critical incidents allow a hospital to prioritise staff, money and attention towards the emergency department.
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust operates Royal Surrey County Hospital, Haslemere Hospital, Milford Hospital, Cranleigh village Hospital, Royal Surrey Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey Cancer Centre at East Surrey, Royal Surrey Cancer Centre at Ashford and St Peter’s, and Royal Surrey Cancer Centre at Frimley.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust operates Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital, and run services from other locations, including Sutton Hospital.
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust runs East Surrey Hospital in Redhill and also provides services at The Earlswood Centre, Caterham Dene Hospital, Crawley Hospital and Horsham Hospital.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust runs Buckland Hospital, Estuary View medical centre, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, and William Harvey Hospital.
