Essex Declares Major Incident as Covid Crisis Hits Hospitals Hard
Essex is in crisis. On Tuesday 29th December, the Essex Resilience Forum (ERF) declared a major incident amid soaring pressure on hospitals and health services across the county, especially Mid and South Essex. The move unlocks extra Government help to tackle the pandemic surge.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Covid Cases Surge Past First Wave
Covid cases in Essex have shot up, with patient numbers now exceeding the peak seen during the first wave in spring. The NHS is struggling with critical care and bed shortages, high staff absences due to sickness and self-isolation, and delays discharging patients to safe environments.
Leaders Urge Public to Stay Safe and Help Ease the Strain
Anthony McKeever, Executive Lead for Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, said:
“We are doing everything possible across the NHS and social care to limit the impact. This includes using critical care capacity across Essex and the wider Eastern region, plus finding new locations to help discharge patients more quickly.
“Our teams are working tirelessly in incredibly tough conditions to support local communities.”
BJ Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police and Co-Chair of the Essex Local Resilience Forum, warned:
“Declaring a major incident lets us get more Government support for the extreme pressure on health services from Covid-19.
“Essex residents have been brilliant, only using 999 or going to A&E in true emergencies. This has to continue to protect our hospitals’ limited capacity.
“Please stay safe – work from home if you can, follow social distancing rules, and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
What This Means for Essex
- Major incident declared to unlock extra support
- Covid hospitalisations higher than spring peak
- Severe staffing shortages and bed crises
- Public urged to use emergency services responsibly
- Strict adherence to Covid rules vital to ease pressure
