A situation of high demand has prompted the declaration of a critical incident at multiple hospitals in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. The University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) made the declaration affecting all hospitals under its management, including the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, St Michaels Hospital, and Weston General Hospital.
The decision to declare the incident was made due to the substantial pressures faced by the hospitals. Professor Stuart Walker, the Managing Director of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, stated that the critical incident was declared in response to the significant strain experienced across the hospital system.
According to Professor Walker, all sites within the Bristol NHS Group are currently dealing with exceptionally high demand. Patients requiring urgent medical assistance are advised to contact NHS 111 for guidance. Appointments should be attended as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
A critical incident, as defined by the NHS, involves a situation where an organization temporarily or permanently loses its ability to deliver critical services due to the level of disruption, potentially resulting in harm to patients or an unsafe environment. This declaration follows Arrowe Park Hospital’s recent pause on elective procedures while investigating an ongoing issue.
Efforts are being made to address the situation, including purchasing new instruments and borrowing equipment from neighboring NHS organizations. The trust is also seeking assistance from other NHS trusts in the region to manage the disruptions effectively.
Patient safety remains a top priority during this critical incident. Concerns have been raised by patients and their families regarding delayed surgeries due to issues with surgical instruments. The hospital is working diligently to minimize the impact on patients by implementing robust plans and seeking support from partner trusts.
The situation has sparked worries among patients and their families, with one individual expressing concern over delayed surgeries due to the lack of safe and sterile equipment at the hospital. The trust reiterated its commitment to patient safety and assured that measures are in place to manage the critical incident effectively.
