Overview
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust said the declaration covers the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, St Michael's Hospital and Weston General Hospital.
- Managing director Professor Stuart Walker announced the decision on Thursday, 30 October, citing “significant pressures across the system” and “exceptionally high demand.”
- Patients were told to contact NHS 111 for urgent care advice and to attend existing appointments unless they are contacted to say otherwise.
- The NHS defines a critical incident as disruption that limits an organisation’s ability to deliver critical services or maintain patient safety, prompting special measures and support from other agencies.
- The move follows a separate critical incident at Wirral’s Arrowe Park Hospital last week, where elective procedures were paused and the trust sought equipment and assistance from neighbouring organisations.