Critical incident is declared at a 'full' Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth which treats some Sussex patients

Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, Portsmouth has confirmed a critical incident as all beds and escalation capacity are full with patients admitted to hospital – with no space for emergency treatment. The hospital has also reported record numbers of attendances to the emergency department, both by ambulance and patients walking in.

Dr John Knighton, medical director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “The Emergency Department is full of patients requiring admission to the hospital resulting in long delays for patients arriving by ambulance.

“The length of delays being experienced and the lack of capacity to treat emergencies puts patient safety at significant risk. That is why we have declared a critical incident today (Tuesday, December 20) - to prioritise emergency capacity for the treatment of emergency patients only.

“We apologise for the delays accessing urgent services, but rest assured we are doing everything in our power to meet the need.”

The NHS trust will be reviewing the situation regularly and thanked the community for its support during this difficult and busy time.