A state of emergency has been announced at multiple hospitals in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare due to substantial strains caused by high demand. The University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) made the declaration, impacting all hospitals under its authority, including the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, St Michaels Hospital, and Weston General Hospital.
The decision to declare the emergency was made in response to the surge in demand for hospital services. Professor Stuart Walker, the Managing Director of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, stated, “All sites within the Bristol NHS Group are currently facing exceptionally high demand.” This move follows a similar announcement by Arrowe Park Hospital, part of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which recently paused elective procedures to address an ongoing issue.
A critical incident, as defined by the NHS, refers to a situation where an organization temporarily or permanently loses its ability to provide critical services due to disruptions, potentially resulting in harm to patients or an unsafe environment. In light of the circumstances, additional instruments have been procured, and equipment has been borrowed from neighboring NHS facilities to mitigate the impact.
Efforts are underway to manage the situation effectively, with the trust seeking assistance from other NHS trusts in the region. Patients have been redirected to Aintree Hospital and the Countess of Chester Hospital to ensure continuity of care. Patient safety remains a top priority, as highlighted by a spokesperson for Wirral University Teaching Hospital, who emphasized the trust’s commitment to resolving the issue and minimizing disruptions to patient care.
