In response to an overwhelming surge in demand and an unprecedented strain on resources, the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has officially declared a "critical incident." This declaration encompasses hospitals under the trust's administration, including their emergency departments. The announcement comes as Nottingham hospitals under the NHS Trust face an immense challenge in maintaining safe patient services and improving the flow of patients within their premises.

Hospital teams within the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have been working tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the care they need, but delays have become inevitable due to the overwhelming caseload. The trust expressed its sincere apologies to anyone experiencing these delays and emphasized its commitment to prioritizing patients with the most urgent medical needs.

Patients in Nottingham have been encouraged to contribute to the alleviation of this crisis by making informed choices when seeking healthcare services. The following key recommendations have been highlighted:

- **Emergency Calls:** Only dial 999 or visit Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in Nottingham within the trust's network in the case of serious accidents and genuine emergencies.

- Urgent Medical Care:** When in need of urgent medical care that is not a life-threatening emergency, patients in Nottingham are advised to visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for guidance on receiving care at any hour of the day or night.

- Urgent Treatment Centers:** Nottingham patients can opt for urgent treatment centers, such as those at London Road in Nottingham, Newark Hospital, Ilkeston Community Hospital, and Primary Care 24 at King's Mill Hospital, all under the administration of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. These centers are equipped to provide faster care for common issues that people typically present to emergency departments, such as burns or sprains.

- Non-Urgent Cases:** For non-urgent medical concerns in Nottingham, patients are encouraged to contact their GP practice or consult a pharmacist.

- Respect for Healthcare Staff:** The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust also reiterated the importance of showing respect and appreciation to all healthcare staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly to keep patients safe and supported during this challenging period.

This declaration of a critical incident in Nottingham underscores the gravity of the situation facing the region's hospitals under the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the need for a collective effort to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and the continued delivery of vital healthcare services. Patients in Nottingham are urged to adhere to the recommended guidelines in seeking medical attention and support the trust in these trying times. The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is diligently working to address the ongoing challenges and will keep the public updated on any developments.