Hospitals are 'already under winter pressures'

DEMAND for hospital services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is increasing before the start of winter, health managers say.

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Last winter University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust, which runs the Royal Stoke and Stafford's County Hospital, faced challenging conditions, with critical incidents declared in December and January.

Preparations for this winter began several months ago, with details revealed to county councillors this week.

Monday's meeting heard the past three weeks have been 'incredibly pressured' for acute health services in the area. The opening of additional capacity at the Royal Stoke and in Stafford has been brought forward.

Hayley Allison, of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said the national target is for patients to receive care, be assessed and treated within four hours. She added: "At the moment, we're not achieving the national standard."

Ms Allison said a 'good winter' means 'good access, timely assessment and treatment' adding: "More importantly for patients, it's to receive care in the right place."

Infections such as covid, norovirus, RSV and flu are seen 'in a much more increased way' in winter, she said.