Hospital declares critical incident over A&E demand

Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital has declared a critical incident as demand soars in its emergency department.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) apologised and said the situation was “not acceptable, adding that its emergency services remained open for patients with life-threatening issues, but warned there would be delays to treat other conditions.

In a statement released earlier this week, it said the incident was declared to protect patient safety and partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A spokesperson from the trust said “The Portsmouth community and partners can help us by supporting patients who are ready for discharge and thinking carefully before making a trip to our emergency department, which should always be the place for treating emergencies, but not the first port of call for more minor illnesses.”

Relatives have been urged to help family members return home from hospital as soon as possible rather than relying on patient transport in a bid to reduce delays.

The trust went on to say “Please speak to the team of healthcare professionals on the wards about how you can help and if you can support discharge a few days earlier.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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