'Critical incident' declared at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire due to high demand at A&E
A 'critical incident' has been declared at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire due to ‘exceptionally high levels of demand’ at the hospital’s emergency department.
The UHCW University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, which operates the major hospital in Coventry, made the announcement today (Wednesday September 9).
The spokesperson said: “We have declared a Critical Incident due to severe and sustained pressure on our services, with our emergency department experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand.
“Our teams are working extremely hard to care for patients, but the continued level of demand is resulting in significant delays and waits for some people.
“Declaring a critical incident is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it enables us manage the pressure on our services and protect patient safety.”
They added: “Please only call 999 or attend ED for serious accidents and for life-threatening emergencies.
“Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111.”