The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has declared another critical incident.

It means the hospital is under so much pressure, it can currently only deal with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

It said it was in response to significant pressure on its hospital services today (Tuesday).

NHS leaders on the Island are calling on people to only come to the Emergency Department (ED) if they are experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury.

Steve Parker, medical director, said: “Our Emergency Department is extremely busy, as is the rest of the hospital. Despite the very best efforts of our staff, people are waiting a long time to be admitted into a bed.”

They are asking members of the public to help by:

 

  • Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged, to free up beds for those who need them.
  • Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for heath advice, or alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP.
  • Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
  • Stay away from our hospitals if you have Covid symptoms, or are in contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The government website shows a high number of patients with Covid in St Marys.

The latest data, from last Wedneday, showed 40 Covid patients, with 27 of them admitted within the past seven days.

One was on a ventilator.