Four NHS Trusts Trigger Critical Incident Status Amid Escalating A&E Pressures

Four major NHS hospital trusts in south-east England have declared critical incidents amid an unprecedented surge in accident and emergency (A&E) admissions that has placed acute pressure on frontline services. The escalations, which represent the highest operational alert level used within the NHS, were triggered by sustained increases in admissions driven by a convergence of seasonal illnesses, respiratory viruses, and staff shortages.

The trusts affected include three in Surrey — Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust — alongside East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, where the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate has borne the brunt of soaring demand.

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Winter Illnesses and Service Strain

The surge in complex A&E attendances has been attributed largely to a spike in winter respiratory infections, particularly influenza and norovirus, compounded by the impact of recent cold weather on vulnerable, frail patients. NHS Surrey Heartlands, which coordinates health services across the affected Surrey trusts, confirmed that rising staff sickness levels have further exacerbated operational pressures.

At East Kent Hospitals, leaders cited “exceptionally high demand” and a “continued high admission rate” as key factors behind their critical incident declaration, noting that hospital beds are currently at full capacity with very limited ability to admit further patients requiring urgent care.

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What a Critical Incident Means

A critical incident is declared when the demand on services or level of disruption threatens the safe delivery of care. This triggers immediate contingency measures, enabling trusts to prioritise urgent and emergency services, redeploy staff, and adjust scheduled activity to maintain patient safety and service continuity.

Despite the escalation, NHS leaders have emphasised that essential services remain open and that urgent care pathways are still accessible. The public has been urged to continue seeking urgent medical help where needed — dialling 999 for life-threatening emergencies or using NHS 111 for other urgent care advice.

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Official Statements and Public Guidance

Dr. Charlotte Canniff, joint chief medical officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands, acknowledged the intense pressures facing local hospitals but stressed that critical incident status enables trusts to “take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients.” She also reiterated that non-urgent appointments may be rescheduled to safeguard capacity for critical cases.

Similarly, representatives from East Kent Hospitals praised staff for their efforts under sustained pressure and called for continued public support and patience during this challenging period. They reminded residents that appropriate use of emergency and urgent care services remains vital.

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Wider NHS Context

The declarations in Surrey and Kent come against a backdrop of broader winter pressures across the NHS. Other regions, including parts of the Midlands and Wales, have also reported high demand and operational strain, with some trusts facing similar incidents as flu and norovirus cases rise nationwide.

Healthcare analysts warn that continued high bed occupancy rates — alongside difficulties in discharging patients who are medically fit to leave — may intensify systemic pressures through the coming weeks unless community services are bolstered and infection rates begin to fall.

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