A critical incident has been declared across multiple hospitals in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare due to significant pressures from high patient demand. The University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) announced the incident, which affects all hospitals within the trust, including the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, St Michael's Hospital, and Weston General Hospital.

The declaration was made on Thursday, 30 October 2025, as hospitals faced exceptionally high demand. Professor Stuart Walker, Hospital Managing Director for UHBW, stated, "University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has declared a critical incident today in response to significant pressures across the system impacting our hospitals. All sites within the Bristol NHS Group are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand."

In light of the situation, the NHS has advised patients requiring urgent medical assistance to contact NHS 111 for guidance. Patients with scheduled appointments are encouraged to attend as usual unless notified otherwise.

The NHS defines a critical incident as a localised event that disrupts the organisation's ability to deliver essential services, potentially harming patients or creating unsafe environments. This declaration follows a similar situation at Arrowe Park Hospital, part of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which recently paused elective procedures due to ongoing issues with surgical instruments.

An internal email from Wirral University Teaching Hospital revealed that the trust is seeking assistance from neighbouring NHS organisations to manage the disruption. Patients have been redirected to Aintree Hospital and the Countess of Chester Hospital as part of the response. The email stated, "Staff are advised there has been an ongoing issue in the Sterile Service Department affecting surgical instruments. Patient safety is always our top priority, and we took the difficult decision to pause elective activity last week while the issue was being looked into."

Concerns have been raised among patients and their families regarding the impact of these incidents. One patient expressed their fears, saying, "It's frightening to think surgeries are being delayed because the hospital doesn't have safe, sterile equipment. I'm worried not just for my son, but for other patients who might not have anyone to speak up for them."

A spokesperson for Wirral University Teaching Hospital confirmed the critical incident declaration, stating, "Due to an issue in our Sterile Services Department affecting surgical instruments in recent days, which unfortunately has not been resolved, the Trust has taken the decision to declare a Critical Incident. Patient safety is always our top priority, and we have unfortunately had to take the decision to pause elective activity. We have robust plans in place to manage the incident."