Surrey Hospital Declares Critical Incident Due to Soaring Demand and High Temperatures

East Surrey Hospital in Redhill has declared a critical incident due to unprecedented demand on emergency services exacerbated by high temperatures.

The Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust stood down a critical incident at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill after a surge in demand linked to high temperatures, while warning that services remain under significant pressure. The incident had been declared on Monday, June 22, affecting the hospital’s emergency care and discharge processes, and prompting rescheduling of some non-urgent appointments.

The development matters because sustained heat can drive a rapid rise in emergency attendances, straining capacity and slowing patient flow. The Trust said cancer and other urgent operations continued during the peak and it is maintaining focus on the most serious cases as demand stays high.

Last update: 24 June 2026.

Declaration, peak pressure and stand-down

The Trust said the June 22 declaration was taken to protect patient safety when emergency demand and discharge challenges escalated. In announcing the decision, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ed Cetti stated: “In response to the high levels of demand at East Surrey Hospital, alongside the need to act swiftly to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care, we have declared a critical incident.” Teams worked to minimize disruption, keeping essential services fully open for those in need while non-urgent appointments were rescheduled to prioritize the sickest patients.

After immediate recovery actions, the Trust stepped down the critical status but noted that activity and acuity remain elevated with ongoing heat. The hospital asked the community to continue choosing the most appropriate care route so that the Emergency Department is preserved for life-threatening conditions. Essential services remain available and urgent procedures continue to be prioritized.

Guidance for patients and community support

People with non-urgent needs were asked to use pharmacies, GP practices walk-in centers, the NHS App and NHS 111 online or by phone for 24/7 advice. The Trust also requested help to enable timely discharge for patients who are clinically ready to leave, emphasizing swift and safe transitions to free up beds. The message from clinical leaders remained consistent before and after stand-down: use Emergency Department care only for life-threatening emergencies.

Pharmacists under the pharmacy first service can advise on common conditions including sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections, reducing unnecessary trips to hospital. For urgent but non-life-threatening problems, NHS 111 can direct patients to the right service and timeframe, helping match need to capacity while easing pressure on emergency care and inpatient wards.

Local alternatives to ease emergency demand

To broaden options beyond the main hospital site in Redhill, the Trust highlighted nearby services that can treat non-life-threatening conditions. These include the Caterham Minor Injuries Unit for adults, the Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre and the East Grinstead Minor Injuries Unit for both adults and children. Using these urgent treatment and MIU facilities can shorten waits for appropriate care and preserve critical resources for the sickest patients.

Patients were advised to attend scheduled appointments unless contacted to reschedule, with a clear assurance that cancer and other urgent operations remained a priority throughout. The Trust thanked staff, partners and the local community for support during the peak period and reiterated that services are still very busy, particularly during sustained high temperatures that can exacerbate existing conditions and trigger additional emergency presentations.