Trust stands down critical incident but 'still extremely busy'

A critical incident has been stood down by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.

William Harvey Hospital (c) East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

William Harvey Hospital (c) East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

The incident was declared on 3 February due to exceptional demand and was stood down on 6 February.

A trust spokesperson said: ‘We are still extremely busy. We are asking the public to continue supporting us as you have been by using NHS services wisely and choosing the most appropriate care for your needs.'

NHS services remain in high demand due to a spike in norovirus cases which are 50% above average for the time of year, according to the latest UKHSA figures.

East Cheshire NHS Trust said it was currently advising visitors to Macclesfield District General Hospital to take extra precautions following an increase in norovirus cases within its local community. 

University Hospital Southampton (UHS), meanwhile, remains in major incident due to major disruption caused by a fire on 1 February.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB has declared a system wide major incident due to additional pressure on neighbouring services caused by the loss of 200 beds at UHS.

Hundreds of beds released through hospital discharge service

Hundreds of beds released through hospital discharge service

By Lee Peart 23 April 2026

An innovative new home support service is helping NHS trusts release hundreds of hospital beds.

Government rules out MPs' health visitors and vaccination recommendations

By Lee Peart 23 April 2026

MPs’ calls for a health visitor recruitment target and a new vaccinations strategy have been ruled out by the Government.

Hospital launches voluntary redundancy scheme

By Lee Peart 23 April 2026

A voluntary redundancy scheme has been launched by Torbay Hospital as it seeks to balance its books.


Popular articles by Lee Peart