'Critical incident' declared at Warwick Hospital
A 'critical incident' has been declared at Warwick Hospital due to the ‘high number of people seeking treatment’.
The South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), which runs the hospital, sent out the warning yesterday (Wednesday January 14).
The Trust said the hospital’s A&E department is dealing with some of the highest attendances it has ever seen and is urging the public to only go to A&E if they are in need of emergency care.
A spokesperson from the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) said: “Attendances at Warwick Hospital’s Emergency Department are some of the highest we have ever experienced, and this is significantly impacting on the time patients are waiting to be seen.
"Clinical teams are trying to see people as quickly as possible but given the increased demand we are unable to maintain the waiting times we usually strive for, therefore please be aware that you may be waiting for a significant length of time and where possible please come prepared for this.
"The increase in attendances has also had a significant impact on the space available in the Emergency Department, therefore please minimise the number of people coming with you to ensure there is space for those seeking care.
“We are asking the public to help us manage this period of unprecedented high demand by considering which service is right for them before seeking treatment.
"Anyone feeling unwell is advised to not visit relatives in hospital or anyone who is vulnerable in the community.
"If you are eligible, you can also get your free flu vaccines from a local drop-in clinic. If you start to display any symptoms of winter viruses, you can visit NHS 111 online or speak to your local pharmacist for advice.”
The spokesperson added: “Our Emergency Department is for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, a persistent state of confusion or severe chest pains, reoccurring fits, breathing difficulties and severe bleeding that can’t be stopped.
"If you experience any of these, please do not delay coming to the Emergency Department.”
Residents in south Warwickshire are also being urged to consider using the Minor Injuries Unit at Stratford as it can treat sprains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, minor eye injuries, and animal bites.
The unit is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 9am and 4pm.
The spokesperson said: “Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the current challenges we will continue to provide high standards of care to those that need us.”