Support Nottingham Hospitals During Critical Incidents Join us in addressing the urgent needs of Nottingham hospitals facing overwhelming demand and staffing challenges. Discover how you can make a significant impact during these critical times by providing essential assistance and support to healthcare providers. Your involvement can help ensure that patients receive the care they need when it matters most.
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As of 9 AM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) remains under a critical incident status. Although the situation is gradually improving, challenges persist for both patients and healthcare staff.
The hospitals are currently at capacity, with some patients still receiving treatment in corridors, although this number has decreased since the previous day.
Effective patient discharges are urgently needed, and support from the public can significantly impact the situation.
Current challenges facing Nottingham hospitals
On January 13, 2026, NUH declared a critical incident due to unprecedented demands on its services. Following the holiday season, a surge in winter infections, combined with staff illness, has caused significant delays in the Emergency Department (ED) and across hospital wards.
The Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), designed for 350 patients daily, has been overwhelmed, often treating over 500 patients. On the busiest day recorded so far, January 7, 2026, the ED managed 550 patients, illustrating a staggering increase in demand that exceeds prior projections.
Staff under pressure
With the influx of patients surpassing hospital capacity, many individuals are experiencing long wait times in corridors, while dedicated staff work under extreme conditions. Chief Operating Officer Andrew Hall stated, “The pressure we are facing is unprecedented. We have made the difficult decision to declare a critical incident to safeguard patient safety. I sincerely apologize for the distress this is causing and urge everyone to treat our staff with the utmost kindness as they navigate through these challenging times to provide the level of care expected.”
Actions being taken to alleviate the crisis
In response to the declared critical incident, NUH has implemented measures to ease the strain on its facilities. These include rescheduling elective surgeries to prioritize care for the most critically ill patients. Affected individuals will be contacted directly regarding any changes.
All available beds and spaces are being opened, and staff are being redeployed to areas of greatest need. Non-essential meetings have been suspended to allow healthcare workers to focus entirely on patient care. Collaborative efforts with NHS and local partners are also underway to expedite patient discharges and enhance community support.
Guidance for the public
Dr. Manjeet Shehmar, the Medical Director at NUH, emphasized that the ED will prioritize treatment for the most severely ill patients. As a result, those arriving with non-emergency conditions should expect lengthy wait times and may be redirected to alternative services. The public is urged to use the ED only for emergencies or serious accidents. For non-urgent matters, contacting NHS 111 is recommended for appropriate care.
For those with loved ones being discharged, it is essential to arrange transportation promptly to help free up beds for incoming patients. Visitors are also asked to refrain from visiting hospitalized patients if they exhibit any symptoms of flu or respiratory illnesses, ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
How you can assist
The public can play a vital role in supporting local hospitals during this critical period. Here are a few ways to help:
- Plan transportation:If you know someone who is being discharged, ensure you can collect them as soon as possible.
- Utilize alternative services:For non-life-threatening issues, consider visiting an Urgent Treatment Centre or a local pharmacy, which can handle a variety of common ailments.
- Be prepared:When picking up discharged patients, ensure their home environment is ready with essentials like food, medications, and a warm atmosphere.
The hospitals are currently at capacity, with some patients still receiving treatment in corridors, although this number has decreased since the previous day. Effective patient discharges are urgently needed, and support from the public can significantly impact the situation.0
