Critical incident declared at University Hospital Coventry amid huge demand at A&E
People are being urged to choose the right service as demand soars at University Hospital Coventry and a critical incident is declared

A critical incident has been declared at University Hospital Coventry amid soaring demand at the emergency department.

A hospital spokesman said the A&E at the Walsgrave hospital is experiencing 'exceptionally high' demand and urged people to choose the correct service for their condition.

Live waiting times on the hospital's website shows the current wait time at the emergency department is more than six hours.

Waiting times at the minor injuries unit, Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre (based at the Hospital of St Cross), children's emergency department and the Coventry gynaecology emergency department remains under one hour.

People needing care can also attend the Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre on Stoney Stanton Road which is open daily from 8am to 10pm.

The emergency department is for serious accidents and life-threatening emergencies and the hospital has shared information on alternative places to seek help for more minor conditions.

A spokesman for UHCW said: "We have declared a Critical Incident due to severe and sustained pressure on our services, with our Emergency Department experiencing exceptionally high levels of demand.

"Our teams are working extremely hard to care for patients, but the continued level of demand is resulting in significant delays and waits for some people.

"Declaring a Critical Incident is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it enables us manage the pressure on our services and protect patient safety.

"You can help us by choosing the right service for your care needs. Find out more information about the services available to you here:

https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/ser... ... h-service/

"Please only call 999 or attend ED for serious accidents and for life-threatening emergencies. Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111."