A CRITICAL incident has been declared at Winchester hospital, with patients urged to seek alternative treatment

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says it made the call on the afternoon of Monday, December 16, as a high admission rate has put pressure on services.

The trust also said a high number of infectious patients requiring isolation and a low discharge rate contributed to the decision, which they say has 'not been taken lightly'.

It added: "Beds across both hospitals are full and attendance at our emergency departments is extremely high, which means there is currently no capacity to admit further patients needing our care."

Residents are instead being asked to speak to NHS 111 or a GP or attend a pharmacy or urgent treatment centre if they need medical assistance as there will be an 'extremely long wait' for non-life-threatening conditions.

As part of the response to the critical incident, the trust will 'look for support across the health system to discharge patients who no longer require acute care and limit the number that needs to come to the acute hospital'.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse at the trust, said: "There are two ways the public can help at this time: firstly, by only attending our Emergency Departments if acutely unwell or injured; and secondly by collecting loved ones who are ready for discharge.

“A considerable number of beds are being used to care for individuals who would be more comfortable recuperating in a home setting.

"Our ward teams can help with medication or equipment so if you can, please have the conversation and collect loved ones; this will free up capacity for someone who is in need of hospital treatment and care."