NHS critical incident stood down

The NHS in Northamptonshire has officially stood down the critical incident declared earlier this month, but healthcare bosses said services remained under significant strain.

High demand, particularly at Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital, led to the status announcement on 7 January.

A critical incident means there is mounting pressure on health services which are at full capacity and enables the NHS to prioritise urgent care and expand capacity where possible.

Maria Laffan, of NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said although the critical incident had been stood down, "services, particularly our hospitals and ambulance service remain extremely busy."

The surge in patient demand has been attributed to increased hospital visits due to flu, viral infections, and other factors, the NHS said.

Ms Laffan, the ICB's chief nursing officer, continued: "We thank local people for helping us so far but continue to ask them to assist the NHS by only accessing the Emergency Department (A&E) or 999 in a true emergency and using alternative NHS services where possible."

Dr Naomi Caldwell, deputy chief medical officer for NHS Northamptonshire ICB, added: "We are still seeing high prevalence of flu, respiratory conditions, and winter bugs in our communities.

"We would continue to urge local people who are eligible but have not yet been vaccinated to continue coming forward for their flu, Covid-19, and RSV vaccinations."

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