Critical Incident Declared Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight NHS Amid Extreme Heat

A Critical Incident has been declared across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight health system as NHS services come under increasing pressure during the ongoing red heat-health alert.

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight says hospitals, ambulance services and other health partners are experiencing exceptionally high demand as temperatures continue to soar.

Critical Incidents have been declared by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Trust and South Central Ambulance Service, while other organisations across the region are also facing significant pressure.

The extreme heat is affecting buildings, infrastructure, equipment and frontline services.

Both South Central Ambulance Service and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service are also dealing with increased call volumes.

Residents are being urged to only dial 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency and to consider alternative NHS services for less urgent medical needs.

Anyone waiting for an ambulance is asked only to call back if the patient's condition changes.

The declaration follows a red heat-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency and a Met Office Red Warning for Extreme Heat, which remains in force today (Thursday) and Friday.

Dr Charlotte Hutchings, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said dehydration and overheating can quickly become serious, particularly for older people, young children, those with long-term health conditions and people taking certain medicines.

She is urging people to drink plenty of fluids, stay cool, avoid the hottest parts of the day where possible and check on vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives.

People should continue to attend planned NHS appointments unless contacted directly, while families are also being encouraged to collect relatives from hospital as soon as they are medically fit for discharge to help free up beds.

The NHS is reminding people to contact their GP, local pharmacist, NHS 111 or an Urgent Treatment Centre for non-life-threatening conditions, reserving 999 for genuine emergencies.