Hospitals grapple with high demand, long waits, and ambulance delays – urgent plea for public cooperation

In a harrowing development, Leicester Hospitals are facing a critical incident as more than 400 individuals are reported to be waiting for medical attention. The University of Leicester NHS Trust has urged people not to visit the Emergency Department (A&E) directly but to call 111 first, emphasizing the high demand for services across its hospitals.
A critical incident has been declared due to the overwhelming number of patients awaiting care, with reports of 400 people in A&E and an additional 50 left waiting in ambulances. The Leicester Royal Infirmary and other affiliated hospitals are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, prompting urgent calls for public cooperation.
The NHS Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board have advised the public to call 999 only for life-threatening emergencies. The board underscores the pressure on the local NHS, urging individuals with urgent but non-life-threatening conditions to visit http://111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111. The critical incident is not isolated to hospitals alone, as challenges with ambulance handovers contribute to the strain across the entire healthcare network.
Dr. Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer at the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, acknowledged the critical incident, emphasizing the challenges faced by hospitals in accommodating the high number of patients. He highlighted difficulties with ambulance handovers and discharging patients, leading to longer-than-usual waits. The safety of patients and the well-being of healthcare professionals remain top priorities.
In a plea for support, the public is urged to attend the Emergency Department only for life-threatening injuries or illnesses. For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, individuals are encouraged to call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service for appropriate advice and care placement.
Dr. Sanganee apologized for the prolonged waiting times and explained that the critical incident declaration is a response to significant pressures on local services. The challenges are not limited to one aspect but encompass all services, including the Emergency Department and Clinical Decisions Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital.
Acknowledging the strain on NHS teams, Dr. Sanganee also called on the public to help by supporting the discharge of medically fit patients from hospitals, contributing to the alleviation of the current crisis.
This critical incident in Leicester adds to the series of challenges faced by the NHS across the UK, underlining the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address healthcare demands and ensure patient safety.