Surrey Hospital Steps Down from Critical Incident Amid High Demand

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has stepped down from a critical incident status but continues to face high demand due to extreme temperatures.

The Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has stood down from its critical incident status, which was declared due to overwhelming demand on emergency care services and challenges in discharging patients. Despite this, the hospital remains under significant pressure, especially with the ongoing high temperatures.

The Trust is urging the local community to consider alternative healthcare options for non-urgent needs. This includes utilizing pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centers, the NHS App, and NHS 111 online. By doing so, the Trust aims to ensure that emergency care remains available for those with the most urgent and serious medical needs.

Community Support and Alternative Healthcare Options

The Trust has provided a list of alternative local NHS services that can handle non-life-threatening conditions. These include the Caterham MIU for adults, the Crawley UTC and the East Grinstead MIU for both adults and children.

Additionally, the NHS 111 service is available 24/7 for urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening.

Self-care and pharmacies are also encouraged for minor ailments. Community pharmacies under the pharmacy first service can address common conditions such as sinusitis, sore throats, and urinary tract infections. The Trust advises individuals to manage common illnesses at home whenever possible, with guidance from a pharmacist or NHS 111.

Dr. Ed Cetti’s Statement and Ongoing Challenges

Dr. Ed Cetti Chief Medical Officer for the Trust, expressed gratitude to the staff, partners, and local community for their support during this challenging period. He emphasized that while the critical incident has been stood down, services remain extremely busy with continued high levels of demand and acuity.

Dr. Cetti urged the community to utilize other NHS services such as 111, nearby urgent treatment centers, and minor injury units where possible. He stressed that the Emergency Department should only be used for life-threatening emergencies to ensure care is available for those who need it most.

Initial Declaration and Public Response

On Monday, June 22 the Trust declared a critical incident due to high levels of demand at its East Surrey Hospital site and on its emergency care services. The situation was exacerbated by higher temperatures and challenges in discharging patients. The public was advised to seek help from the most appropriate health services for their condition.

People were encouraged to use pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centers, the NHS App, and NHS 111 online or by phone for non-urgent health advice. The public was also reminded to only use 999 and the Emergency Department for serious or life-threatening conditions. Non-urgent appointments were rescheduled to accommodate patients with the most urgent clinical needs, but cancer and other urgent operations continued to be prioritized.

The Trust also requested support in enabling the discharge of loved ones who are ready to be discharged as quickly and safely as possible. This collective effort aims to ensure that the healthcare system can continue to provide safe and effective care for all who need it.