Isle of Wight NHS Trust has declared a critical incident in response to sustained pressure on its services.
High levels of demand and difficulties in discharging people into social care means that St Mary’s Hospital is close to capacity.
Why a critical incident?
The Trust declared a critical incident because it allows it to take additional steps to maintain safe services for the people who need them.
The Emergency Department (ED) remains full and there is very limited space to treat emergency patients.
We are only able to treat people with life threatening conditions and injuries, so anyone who arrives at ED without a life-threatening condition or injury will be redirected to alternative services that can help.
Parker: Collect patients as soon as they are ready to be discharged
Steve Parker, Medical Director, said,
“Our immediate priority is to ensure we can care for the most seriously ill patients, and we are focusing on discharging safely as many patients as possible.
“We ask that families and loved ones support us with this and collect patients as soon as they are ready to be discharged.”
The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for life threatening emergencies.
If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
