Critical incident at four West Midlands hospitals stood down
1 hour ago
Joanne Writtle, Health correspondent, BBC Midlands
Alex McIntyre, West Midlands
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A critical incident declared at four West Midlands hospitals amid high numbers of flu patients has been stood down. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the critical incidents at Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth, and Solihull hospitals ended at 16:00 GMT on Thursday. The incident was declared on Monday after health chiefs said emergency departments were overcrowded due to "extreme" pressures caused by the number of flu cases. On Thursday afternoon, the trust reported 241 inpatients with flu, 13 of which were in critical care, and 275 patients in its emergency departments, with 89 waiting for an inpatient bed. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, which runs Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford, also stood down its critical incident on Wednesday. Meanwhile, at the Midland Met Hospital in Smethwick, consultant geriatrician Dr. Grace Shorthouse noted that it felt busier than usual for staff. She stated, "It feels like we're working a lot harder, particularly related to flu cases at this time of year." However, she assured that the hospital was managing and patients were remaining safe. The hospital utilizes a unique approach, with half of its beds in private rooms and the rest in small bays of four. Many patients are also treated at home by hospital staff via virtual wards, which Dr. Shorthouse praised for reducing the risk of flu transmission within the hospital environment. NHS staff in the West Midlands have been proactive, running mobile clinics to boost flu vaccine uptake. Elaine Downes, 82, who attended a clinic in Solihull, shared her motivation: "I had a message from my daughter this morning who's persuaded me to have it done. She's getting married, and I think she'd rather have me at the wedding with my full health rather than saying I can't come because I've got flu." This story highlights the challenges faced by healthcare systems during flu seasons and the innovative approaches being implemented to manage patient care effectively.
