Four NHS Trusts have declared critical incidents in Surrey, and Kent.

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.

It also means patients with conditions not considered critical likely face extremely long waits.