The critical incident has been declared because high numbers of staff are isolating or symptomatic with Covid-19, coupled with high bed occupancy.

The hospital is facing serious pressure and is taking immediate steps to ensure it can still provide critical services.

This incident also reflects the pressure on urgent care pathways and that any beds that do become available may not be in the most appropriate setting for patients.

Additional infection prevention and control requirements that apply whenever a patient is admitted with Covid means that any increase in the numbers makes a very significant difference to the pressures experienced by staff.

Some elective operations have been cancelled. The trust will continue to monitor the situation closely and hopes to downgrade the declaration as soon as possible.

The public can help in the following ways:

Only ever call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency

Call or click 111 if you need urgent medical help and aren’t sure what to do. Be aware that if you attend hospital with a minor condition, you may be redirected to a more appropriate service

Please be ready to collect your family or loved ones from hospital as soon as they are medically well enough to leave

Pharmacists can help with a range of minor health issues including colds, skin problems and earaches – please use your local pharmacy if you’re able to do so.