A major hospital trust has this evening declared a "critical incident" as its services have become stretched and wait times rocket after an explosion in flu cases.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for Queen Elizabeth, Heathlands and Good Hope Hospitals in the Birmingham along with neighbouring Solihull Hospital, have all now issued the alert due to "extreme pressures".

The Trust posted simultaneously on all its hospitals' social media sites saying each of it's A&E departments are facing huge demand. A Trust spokesperson said: "We are asking the communities we serve to think carefully about how they access healthcare."

20:26 Eliana Nunes

A Staffordshire hospital trust has also declared a 'critical incident'

It comes as the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) trust urged people to use A&E only in a "serious or life-threatening emergency" earlier today. Both Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital have declared a "critical incident" after experiencing sustained pressure over the past week.

Royal Stoke chief operating officer Katy Thorpe said: "We have taken the difficult decision to declare a critical incident. This helps us to take additional measures to maintain safe services for our patients and those in the community waiting for an ambulance.

"When we're discharging patients, we ask that their friends or loved-ones pick them up from hospital as soon as possible and have everything they need at home. I would like to thank our staff for their ongoing efforts during this extremely challenging period and the public for their understanding and co-operation."

20:13 Steven White

A&E departments and inpatient areas struggling

The Birmingham hospital Trust has declared the 'critical incident' due to what is says are 'extreme pressures' being experienced across its services.

The hospitals are all facing 'significant and sustained pressures' with 'exceptional numbers of patient's of flu requiring admission to hospital.

There are now some 269 flu patients across the Trust's sites.

20:13 Steven White

Four hospitals issue 'urgent message for local patients'

All four hospitals run by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have issued an 'urgent message' on their social media pages.

Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals have all posted: "Critical incident declared."

The message reads: "Due to the extreme pressures in our emergency department, demand for beds and numbers of patients with flu, we have declared a critical incident.

"Please consider other services for any minor healthcare needs.

  • Urgent Treatment Centres – accessed via NHS111.
  • Pharmacy First – local pharmacies can provide advice, guidance and medication for common conditions.
  • NHS111 – phone or go online to be directed to the best place for you.
  • GP Practice."