Critical incidents declared at two Northamptonshire hospitals

The hospitals have seen many patients with respiratory conditions, they said this is normal for this time of year.

Critical incidents have been declared at two hospitals in the same county.

Both Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals have seen a high level of admissions and attendances since the beginning of January.

Declaring a critical incident means that additional steps, such as opening more beds and enlisting support from other units, take place.

The hospitals said many patients have attended with respiratory conditions, which is normal for this time of year.

Dr Imogen Staveley, interim chief medical officer at NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "This is an exceptional situation and we are doing everything in partnership across the NHS and social care to resolve it.

"We assure the public that all emergency services remain open and available whilst we discharge patients from hospital to the most appropriate setting for their ongoing care."

People have been warned that while general practice remained open, patients should be aware it was likely to be extremely busy

NHS Northamptonshire ICB said A&E attendances were equally as high as emergency admissions.

A number of patients in the hospital were well enough to leave but had remained in hospital for "a variety of reasons".

People have been asked to only attend A&E or call 999 in life-threatening situations.

The ICB said there should not be an impact on outpatient appointments or planned operations, and patients should attend the hospital as usual unless notified otherwise.

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