Hospital trust stands down critical incident

A Surrey NHS trust has stood down a critical incident which was declared due to "sustained and significant pressure" on its services.

Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it had seen a high number of people attending its emergency department on Tuesday when there was a lack of available beds in inpatient wards.

Despite now standing down the critical incident, the trust says there is still a "sustained high demand for their services".

"We ask our local community to continue to support us by choosing the most appropriate NHS service for your needs," the trust says.

"This will help ensure urgent care is available for those who need it most."

The trust is asking patients to seek alternative services including NHS 111, local GPs and pharmacists, or urgent centres where appropriate.

Attending emergency departments (A&E) should only be for life threatening emergencies, a trust spokesperson said.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.