RD&E declares ‘internal critical incident’

An "internal critical incident" was declared at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital due to the adverse weather.

Em Wilkinson-Brice, RD&E Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Due to the ongoing impact of the adverse weather today, the Trust is continuing to declare an internal critical incident and focusing all efforts providing urgent and emergency care only.

"This means we are diverting all available staff and resources to provide care for the patients who are in the hospital and receiving care from our community teams.

"We have cancelled all outpatient and routine planned surgical and diagnostic appointments today and we will contact all affected patients to reschedule as soon as possible.

"Our Emergency Department remains open for urgent and emergency cases. Tiverton Minor Injuries Unit is open today and Honiton Minor Injuries Unit is currently closed but efforts are being made to reopen as soon as possible today.

"The public have shown fantastic support so far and we would ask that they continue to help us by not visiting friends or relatives in the hospital today unless absolutely essential.

"We would also urge any RD&E clinical staff who are unable to get to our main Wonford site in Exeter to please attend their nearest hospital if safe to do so and offer their help.

"If any members of the public are able to offer 4x4 vehicle support to help ferry people to and from the RD&E’s Wonford site then please call the Exeter Transport Hub on 01392 403913.

"Many of our staff have gone well beyond the call of duty and made heroic efforts to make it into work, despite the horrendous conditions. Their dedication and compassion is outstanding and they are doing our patients and the NHS proud. I would like to publicly thank each and every one of them for their commitment so far and for their ongoing work until this challenging period has passed.”