NHS Declares ‘Critical Incident’ In Northants

The NHS in Northamptonshire has declared a ‘critical incident’ due to mounting pressure on health services.

A surge in demand at Northampton and Kettering general hospitals has led to the decision, with increased visits due to flu, viral infections, and other factors.

Kettering General Hospital

Declaring a critical incident enables the NHS to prioritise urgent care, minimise disruptions to outpatient appointments and planned operations, and expand capacity where possible.

People are being urged to only attend the hospitals if their condition is an emergency and to instead consider using alternative healthcare services such as a GP, pharmacy, or NHS 111 for advice and support.

Dr Naomi Caldwell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Northamptonshire ICB said: “This has been one of the most challenging winters we have ever experienced in the NHS, and we have taken this step today to ensure we can continue to deliver a safe level of care to our local population, while we work together to resolve it.

“We are today asking local people to help us by choosing which service to access when they are unwell, and only calling 999 or attending A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency. ”

Earlier this week, the East Midlands Ambulance Service, which covers Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, announced its first ever critical incident.