Services remain under significant pressure

Update on critical incident declared at St Richard’s Hospital: Sunday 7 April – 12.00pm

Critical Incident stood down but services remain under significant pressure

The Critical Incident at St Richard’s Hospital has now been stood down after good progress was made in the past 24 hours to improve access to inpatient beds.

However, staff continue to face a significant challenge to control the spread of the stomach illness (norovirus) in the hospital, whilst caring for patients. Teams and services remain under severe pressure and visiting continues to be suspended.

There are some limited exceptions to the visiting restrictions – for those receiving end of life care, and for children – but if in doubt please contact the relevant ward. The rules around visiting are being reviewed daily.

Please consider alternatives to using A&E, if possible. They include NHS 111 (via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111) as well as the Minor Injuries Unit at Bognor War Memorial Hospital – open again today, in recognition of the pressures at St Richard’s.

We recognise the hard work of colleagues at the hospital and across the wider organisation and thank them for their amazing efforts through this period of escalation. We would also like to thank South East Coast Ambulance Service, other NHS trusts and partners for their invaluable support.

The Critical Incident was declared on Friday, 5 April.

Dr George Findlay, chief executive officer of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust which runs St Richard’s, said:

“Declaring a Critical Incident is a really serious step to take, but we did not have an alternative. We apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by this, or worried.

“I absolutely understand that people want to visit their relatives and friends in hospital, but we must still ask that people stay away. We simply must reduce the risk of spreading the virus more – many of our patients are vulnerable to infection, and would be at risk.

“Our staff need the time and space to get services back to normal. If you need them, they will be there for you, but please understand that they need your help and support, too. Only use them if you have to.”

“Our message to people is simple – if you are not absolutely sure you need A&E, please use the alternatives first. Visit 111.nhs.uk, or call 111, and let the experts there give you help and advice.”