UK hospital declares major incident as A&E under ‘immense pressure’

A major hospital in the UK has declared a critical incident, warning it is facing “immense pressures” on its services.

Wigan’s Royal Albert Edward Infirmary urged people to avoid its A&E unless suffering a “life or limb-threatening emergency”.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust warned that “unprecedented attendances” meant the emergency department was “full”. It said it is working with partners to discharge patients who are ready to leave hospital.

The trust, which previously declared a critical incident in December, said the safety of its patients is the “top priority”.

By declaring a critical incident, hospitals are able to take action so that safe services are maintained despite increasing pressures.

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Source: The Independent, 1 February 2023