Critical incident declared at RUH as Covid admissions rise

The RUH declared an internal critical incident on December 31. This, chief executive Cara Charles-Barks said, was due to ongoing challenges with increasing numbers of Covid-19 patients, availability of beds and the impact of staff sickness and isolation.

RUH chief executive Cara Charles-Barks

On Twitter, the hospital trust boss said the RUH was working to ensure patients still have access to the health care they need. 

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“I am very sorry for the impact this may be having on you at this time and want to reiterate my commitment to get back to normal as soon as possible,” she continued. 

1/6 At the Royal United Hospitals Bath, we declared an Internal Critical Incident on New Year’s Eve and remain in one due to ongoing pressures caused by both COVID and non COVID patients, sickness among our staff and availability of beds.

— Cara Charles-Barks MBE 💙 (@CaraCBCEO) January 5, 2022

“It has been a difficult start to 2022 and I want to thank all of our staff for supporting our patients and each other while we deal with these challenges.

“You can help us by making sure you know what your health care options are, wearing a mask and using hand gel when you come to the hospital, taking regular lateral flow tests and having your booster – the Large Vaccination Centre at the Bath Racecourse is open and has space.

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“If your relative is in our hospital and ready for discharge, we are asking, where possible, that you support us in safely discharging them with family support. 

“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The Great Western Hospital in Swindon has also declared an internal critical incident.