Critical Incident declared across health services in Sussex

A critical incident has been declared across health services in Sussex to help ensure local people continue to get safe and high quality care over the New Year period.

High numbers of people are needing care in A&E departments, calling NHS 111, contacting GP services, calling 999 and accessing mental health services. There has also been an increase in numbers of people being hospitalised with flu and Covid, alongside high levels of staff sickness. This is all putting significant demand on services, meaning patients are having to wait longer to be seen and treated.

The public are being urged to play their part in helping themselves and others get the care they need during this period. This includes taking the following actions:

• Thinking very carefully about choosing the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only using 999 and A&E departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or breathing difficulties.
• Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged, and to support the discharge process to available community beds, to allow acute hospital beds to be freed up for those who need them most.
• Being prepared and ensuring you stock up on over-the-counter medicines and collect your repeat prescription ahead of the Bank Holiday, so you don’t run out of your regular medication.
• Staying away from our hospitals if you have symptoms of flu or Covid or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, unless it is an emergency.
• Keep yourself protected and boost your immunity with Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if you are eligible.

Read more on the NHS Sussex website.

Get help in a mental health crisis

If you are worried about your mental health or someone you care for over the New Year bank holiday weekend, how to get help.