A critical incident remains in place at Stoke-on-Trent’s main hospital. The critical incident has been in force at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, in Stafford, since New Year’s Day.
It follows additional pressure on A&E over the festive period, more patients needing hospital beds, and patients waiting longer for community care. It comes as visitors with flu, norovirus or Covid symptoms are being urged to stay away from the Royal Stoke.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Matthew Lewis said: “During the festive period, our hospitals have seen an increase in attendances and are currently extremely busy. Local people should still come to our emergency departments if they have serious, life-threatening conditions that need immediate medical attention, such as chest pain, loss of consciousness, acute confusion, severe blood loss, serious burns, broken bones, or a suspected stroke. For other conditions, walk-in centres, GPs, pharmacies and NHS 111 will be able to offer expert advice – often quicker and closer to home.”
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