Critical incidents stood down at Northamptonshire hospitals

Northampton and Kettering General hospitals are still "extremely busy" but no longer under a "critical incident"

Two hospitals are no longer facing 'critical incidents' after seeing a spike of admissions in January.

The incidents were declared at Northampton and Kettering General hospitals as they dealt with a high number of patients.

The NHS in Northamptonshire said its wider services and both hospitals still remained "extremely busy".

Declaring a critical incident allows hospitals to open more beds and enlist support from other units.

In January, the NHS in Northamptonshire said it was facing "exceptional situation" but that planned operations or outpatient appointments should not be affected.

Dr Imogen Staveley, interim chief medical officer at NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, said: "We thank local people for helping us so far but continue to ask them to assist the NHS by only accessing A&E or 999 in a true emergency."

She asked patients to use "alternative NHS services where possible" such as urgent care centres, pharmacies and the NHS 111 phone line.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp [phone]