Health and care services across the region are under significant and increasing pressure.

Critical incidents have been declared at the IOW NHS Trust, as well as the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth, Southampton and South Coast Ambulance NHS Trusts. 

The Care Board says this is not linked to current or pending strike action.

'Significant and increasing pressure...' (Image: Newsquest)

Lara Alloway, deputy chief medical officer for acute care for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: “Due to the significant ongoing pressure on local NHS services, alongside the need to act swiftly to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care, we have declared a critical incident across health services in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

“Hospitals, urgent treatment centres, minor injuries units, GP practices and ambulance services are all being significantly impacted.

“With nearly all hospital beds full across Hampshire and Isle of Wight and urgent treatment centres, GP practices, minor injuries and ambulance services under significant pressure, we know that some people may not be receiving care in as timely a way as we would like.”

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is asking Islanders to:

• Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged to free up beds for those who need them.
• Consider supporting your friends or family at home if you are able to – there is financial help available.
• Being extra vigilant in the cold weather and when surfaces are slippery
• Supporting friends, family and neighbours with keeping warm, shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed
• Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
• Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for health advice, or contact your local pharmacist or GP.