Major UK hospital declares critical incident over ‘exceptionally high’ flu cases – as patients face wait of up to 50 hours in A&E
The Royal Liverpool University Hospital has declared a critical incident due to an “exceptionally high” demand on Accident &Emergency (A&E) and a high number of flu cases.
The hospital said staff are “working incredibly hard” to treat patients being admitted with “flu and respiratory illnesses”.
It comes as the number of patients in hospital with flu quadrupled in the last month, according to NHS England.
A spokesperson said: “We have a comprehensive plan in place and are taking all the necessary actions to manage the challenging circumstances facing patients and colleagues currently.
“We are working with partner organisations to ensure those that are medically fit can leave hospital safely and at the earliest opportunity.
“Colleagues are working incredibly hard to treat people as quickly as possible, however, some people will experience longer waits while we treat our sickest patients.”
It added: “We have seen an increasing number of people with flu and respiratory illnesses in our emergency departments in recent weeks.” SKY NEWS