After declaring a critical incident, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust has now lifted the alert following improved operational performance. The trust faced challenges with a new patient record system causing delays for 24 ambulances outside the A&E department. The critical incident was triggered by sustained pressures, particularly at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Emergency Department.
NUH attributed the situation to high demand, staffing issues, and flow challenges causing significant delays in the Emergency Department and ward admissions. The Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Hall, acknowledged the strain on services, emphasizing the dedication of staff despite prolonged wait times and overcrowding.
In response to the situation, NUH urged individuals to collect discharged relatives promptly to free up hospital beds for incoming patients. Following recent improvements, the trust emphasized the need for ongoing community support while encouraging people to avoid unnecessary A&E visits and attend only in emergencies. Planned appointments should be honored unless advised otherwise.
