Hospitals declare critical incidents over A&E

Hospitals are seeing a high number of flu cases, the trust says

Whiston Hospital is the latest hospital on Merseyside to declare a critical incident, as the NHS continues to see huge demand on its A&E services.

Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital have also declared critical incidents.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Arrowe Park, declared a critical incident for the second time in five days on Wednesday citing a high number of flu cases.

A NHS Cheshire and Merseyside representative said the current situation is under constant review.

Whiston is the latest hospital on Merseyside to declare a critical incident

The trust said it was experiencing similar issues to those declared on 4 January.

On Tuesday it was revealed patients at Royal Liverpool University Hospital's accident and emergency unit had been facing waits of up to 50 hours.

A Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said emergency measures had been put in place to ensure patient safety.

An email sent to Wirral hospital staff on 8 January said a critical incident had been declared after the borough faced "unprecedented demand for our urgent and emergency services".

It said there were "robust plans in place" to maintain safety of patients.

A woman told the BBC her 80-year-old father was left on a hospital trolley for more than 40 hours over the new year period.

In 2024, Wirral University Teaching Hospital declared a critical incident on 11 October due to high demand and in November, a major incident was declared following a cyber incident which affected services for several days.

A NHS Cheshire and Merseyside representative said hospital staff were working "extremely hard to ensure people get the treatment they need as quickly as possible" and those with the highest clinical need would be prioritised.

They urged the public to "play their part" by choosing the right service and A&E "should only be used for life-threatening illnesses and injuries".

For less urgent conditions people are asked to use NHS 111 online, visit a local pharmacy, walk-in centre or GP practice.