Hospital declares critical incident as beds full

A critical incident has been declared at a Kent hospital because of high patient numbers.

East Kent Hospitals NHS trust warned people going to the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford, Kent, to be ready for an "extremely long wait".

Beds across its hospitals were full, it said, adding its capacity to admit more patients was limited.

"This decision has not been taken lightly," a spokesman said.

The trust is urging people to visit A&E only if they have a life-threatening illness or injury, or were collecting someone being discharged.

"We are currently reviewing patients scheduled for planned procedures and appointments," the spokesperson said.

"Unless you hear from us directly, please assume your procedure or appointment will go ahead."

They said urgent and emergency services were under "extremely high" pressure and staff were focused on helping patients most in need.

A spokesperson said: "Declaring a critical incident enables us to keep patients safe by drawing on additional support from our colleagues across the health system."

The trust said medical assistance could be found by contacting NHS 111, your GP, a pharmacy or an urgent treatment centre.

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