The NHS in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire announced a critical incident throughout the system due to “extremely high levels of demand”. Some routine operations are delayed due to increased pressure on services, but patients are told to continue attending appointments unless told otherwise.
Covid’s pressure on the local NHS continues to rise after the Omicron wave, with 288 coronavirus patients taking beds at northern Midlands University hospitals on Tuesday. While far fewer people are seriously ill with the virus now, infection control measures are reducing overall capacity.
A spokesman said: “Our hospitals continue to see extremely high levels of demand for the services we provide, along with the continuing effects of Covid-19, but we continue to prioritize those most in need of treatment and urge people to get help when they need it using NHS 111 online.
“As a system in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, we had to call for a critical incident. We apologize for postponing some routine surgeries, but we advise patients to attend appointments or surgeries unless they are contacted for rescheduling. We give priority to cancer surgery.
“We are very sorry for those affected and we would like to assure you that despite the challenges they face, basic services remain fully open to anyone who needs them, so if you need urgent medical care, please continue to go out.
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