Hospitals declare critical incidents over 'pressures'

Basingstoke and Winchester (pictured) hospitals have both announced critical incidents

Two hospitals have declared critical incidents due to "sustained pressures".

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said there was "currently no capacity to admit further patients needing our care" at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.

It said the situation had been caused by factors including high admission rates, high numbers of infectious patients requiring isolation, and a low discharge rate.

In a statement, the trust said the decision had "not been taken lightly".

It continued: "Beds across both hospitals are full and attendance at our emergency departments is extremely high."

Patients with non-life-threatening conditions have been warned if they attend emergency departments they may face an "extremely long wait" and have been advised to try calling 111, a GP, pharmacy or urgent treatment centre.

Advice released by the trust includes only going to the emergency department for a life-threatening illness or injury and helping by collecting friends and loved ones as soon as possible.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse for Hampshire Hospitals, said: "A considerable number of beds are being used to care for individuals who would be more comfortable recuperating in a home setting.

"Our ward teams can help with medication or equipment so if you can, please have the conversation and collect loved ones, this will free up capacity for someone who is in need of hospital treatment and care."

The trust statement added staff were doing "all we can" to increase capacity and thanked the public for their patience.