It has been forced to put in extra measures to 'maintain safe services'
Claire Harrison
07:18, 15 Jan 2026
The local hospital has declared a 'critical incident'. File image(Image: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
A 'critical incident' has been declared at a Warwickshire hospital as its A&E demand is among the 'highest ever experienced'. South Warwickshire University NHS Trust announced attendances at Warwick Hospital’s Emergency Department are so high that it has been forced to take urgent action.
"Attendances at Warwick Hospital’s Emergency Department are some of the highest we have ever experienced, and this is significantly impacting on the time patients are waiting to be seen," the hospital said in a statement. It has warned anyone who goes to A&E that they face 'significant waits'.
"The increase in attendances has also had a significant impact on the space available in the Emergency Department, therefore please minimise the number of people coming with you to ensure there is space for those seeking care," the Trust said.
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The trust added that it has had to take 'additional steps to maintain safe services' for patients to help cope with the growing pressures. It has urged locals to only attend A&E in an emergency.
"We are asking the public to help us manage this period of unprecedented high demand by considering which service is right for them before seeking treatment," the trust statement appealed.
"Anyone feeling unwell is advised to not visit relatives in hospital or anyone who is vulnerable in the community. If you are eligible, you can also get your free flu vaccines from a local drop-in clinic. If you start to display any symptoms of winter viruses, you can visit NHS 111 online or speak to your local pharmacist for advice.
"Our Emergency Department is for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, a persistent state of confusion or severe chest pains, reoccurring fits, breathing difficulties and severe bleeding that can’t be stopped. If you experience any of these, please do not delay coming to the Emergency Department."
It is not the only hospital locally to be hit by a surge in demand as both the University Hospital Coventry and the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton have both said that their A&E departments are 'extremely busy' and they have echoed the message to only attend in an emergency.
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