Stevenage: Lister Hospital's critical incident stood down

A critical incident was declared at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage

A critical incident at a hospital after the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday has been stood down.

The Lister Hospital in Stevenage said while it was no longer in a critical situation it remained "very busy".

Earlier it said a "huge demand" on the emergency department after the four-day holiday had coincided with two ward closures due to a leaky roof.

The East and North Herts NHS Trust said there were still long waiting times in A&E.

"If you are attending the Lister Hospital emergency department you will continue to wait a long time unless you have a life or limb-threatening illness or injury," a statement said.

"We'd like to thank our staff, patients and the local community for their support."

It has directed people with minor illnesses or injuries to visits the Urgent Treatment Centre at the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, or to call the NHS 111 number where they could be directed to the most appropriate care.