Related Articles
University Hospitals Birmingham today declared a critical incident because of ‘exceptional demand’. It amounts to a declaration that for now at least all but the most critically ill or injured new arrivals will face an exceptionally long wait for care at the four city hospitals.
More than 300 inpatients have flu – 13 of them are in critical care with very serious complications, said trust chiefs. That’s the equivalent of one in eight of all bed spaces at Heartlands in Bordesley Green, the Queen Elizabeth in Edgbaston, Good Hope in Sutton Coldfield and Solihull.
The Trust becomes the lastest of a spate of major trusts to confirm they are struggling to cope this week. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital had declared a critical incident after the weekend, swiftly followed this morning by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
READ MORE: Ambulances queue ‘for hours’ as flu fills region’s hospitals
A spike in people with respiratory illnesses going to emergency departments, many with flu, has contributed. The first week of January has seen an “exceptional number” of patients with flu at UHB’s four hospitals, with 311 current inpatients having the virus, said Margaret Garbett, chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham.
Those with existing conditions, or the frail elderly, are most at risk. Measures including mask-wearing have been re-introduced across its departments.
“Despite expanding capacity in our wards and in our emergency departments, A&E remains overcrowded with extended waits to be seen,” said Ms Garbett. “We are asking the communities we serve to think carefully about how they access healthcare.”
University Hospitals Birmingham is one of the largest NHS trusts in England, caring for more than 2.2 million patients each year. It last declared a critical incident around a decade ago, with the exception of the Covid-19 emergency, so today’s decision illustrates the severity of the strain they are facing.
Neighbouring hospital trusts are also reporting high demand and long ambulance handover delays as a result, putting more pressure on the region’s ambulance service. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals which run New Cross, Walsall Manor and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals in Worcester and Redditch are reporting significant delays.
Ms Garbett urged people who do not have an emergency or life-threatening condition to use alternative services, including a pharmacy or calling 111. “If you do not have a life-threatening emergency, such as severe difficulty in breathing, choking, blood loss, seizures or fits, sudden rapid swelling, or serious injury, then consider the alternatives and think about:
- Calling NHS 111 or going online – open 24/7 and free to call – is a good way to understand what service are available close to you
- Visiting a local pharmacy – they are trained healthcare professionals and can support with a wide range of common conditions such as sore throat, skin infections, ear infections, pain when you wee (a UTI), upset tummy, emergency contraception and much more – they can often see you really quickly
- Visiting an Urgent Treatment Centre, which often have much shorted waiting time than A&E, NHS 111 can tell you more about this service
- If you can get yourself to Solihull Hospital, and you have a minor injury, you can pop along there without an appointment for issues such as suspected broken bones, sprains, strains, cuts and minor burns – open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
- Prevention is also sensible, if you are eligible or a healthcare worker and flu vaccinations are available to you – get protected as soon as possible. Vaccinations remain available.
- If you need more information, contact NHS 111 or visit our website at www.uhb.nhs.uk
