Nottinghamshire NHS critical incident stood down

Bosses have urged the public to continue to "choose the correct NHS service"

A critical incident declared for NHS services in Nottinghamshire eight days ago has been stood down.

The alert was issued on 3 January, hours after junior doctors went on strike over pay.

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board said on Thursday the situation had since improved.

However health bosses said services remained under pressure due to staff shortages, seasonal illnesses and winter-related issues.

The junior doctors strike finished on Tuesday following six days of action.

After seeing a reduction in hospital bed admissions and an increase in discharges, the board confirmed the critical incident had been stood down.

Dr Dave Briggs, medical director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said staff had worked "tirelessly" to maintain services.

"We are grateful to everyone who has taken steps to help over the past week, this has meant we have been able to stand down the critical incident," he said.

"We would like to thank our incredible teams across the health and social care sector for their efforts in keeping the public safe."

He urged patients to only attend A&E for genuine emergencies and, for those eligible, to take up offers of vaccinations.

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