Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS system critical incident update

Statement: Thursday 7 April 2022

 
A critical incident was called across the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System on Tuesday 29 March 2022. That incident remains live today, with several actions being taken in response.

Simon Whitehouse, Chief Executive Designate of the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System, said: 
 
“We currently have more than 160 covid patients in our hospitals, having reached almost 170 earlier this week – the highest number we have seen throughout the pandemic – and this is leading to extreme pressure across our health and care system.

“Staff sickness rates are running at about 8%, which is more than double what we would usually expect to see. Covid is accounting for more than half of this figure.

“This is not just affecting our hospitals. We have care homes closed to admissions and several GP practices running business continuity plans due to clinical staff being absent.

“We are doing everything that we can to improve the position and we apologise for any negative impact this has on an individual’s experience of our health and care services.

“Our hospitals have already taken the difficult decision to step down some routine and outpatient surgical services so that staff can be redeployed to strengthen our urgent and emergency care teams. We hope this intervention will prove to be short-lived.

“I would ask the public to please wash hands regularly, keep a distance and wear masks in crowded settings. 

“We also continue to ask patients to seek alternatives to attending A&E where appropriate. Please use the NHS App or NHS111 for advice, and remember that local pharmacies can also help you to manage most routine illnesses. A&E remains open for emergencies and urgent care needs.”