The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board has declared a system-wide critical incident.
It follows declarations of critical incidents at the following five Trusts:
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
- Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust
Dr Lara Alloway, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for acute care for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and Chief Medical Officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Due to the significant ongoing pressure on local NHS services alongside the need to act swiftly to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care, we have declared a critical incident across health services in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
"We are supporting a number of trusts who have also declared critical incidents due to sustained pressure. Hospitals, urgent treatment centres, minor injuries units, GP practices and ambulance services are all being significantly impacted.
“Dedicated health and care teams are working round-the-clock to ensure patients receive the care they need. With nearly all hospital beds full across Hampshire and Isle of Wight and urgent treatment centres, GP practices, minor injuries and ambulance services under significant pressure, we know that some people may not be receiving care in as timely a way as we would like. Everyone working across health and care services is doing their very best in this challenging situation, but we need your help.
“With rising rates of flu locally, if you are eligible and have not yet taken up the opportunity, we encourage you to get your flu jab as soon as possible to protect yourself and those around you. Please also continue to practice good hand hygiene and remember to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze."
If you share a household or are a carer, close friend or relative to someone in hospital, and are their key point of contact, you can help by:
- Staying in contact with the hospital ward they are on so everyone is clear about the expected date of discharge
- Supporting with any necessary arrangements to provide suitable clothing and shoes for the patient and understanding their ongoing medication needs
- Helping with their transport home. If you can help take a relative, friend or neighbour home when they are ready to leave hospital then it helps them to get home more quickly and it helps the NHS, too.
Dr Alloway added:
“Little things like popping some milk and food in their fridge, turning on the heating in their home and checking for trip/fall hazards like trailing cables and rugs can make a big difference too.
“We know people recover more quickly when they are back home rather than staying in hospital for too long. If you can, please help a friend, leaving hospital get back in their own homes more smoothly and in time to celebrate Christmas. Thank you.”
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
