Health bosses issue emergency alert over “major pressures” on A and E departments
Health / Tue 6th Jan 2026 at 04:49pm
HEALTH bosses have issued an emergency alert stating that Accident and Emergency Services are experiencing “major pressures.
The Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board has issued the following statement.
“Health services across Hertfordshire and west Essex are currently experiencing major pressures. A&E departments at our hospitals only have the capacity to treat people who have serious, life-threatening or dangerous conditions.
“If you come to A&E with a minor condition or illness, you may be sent away to visit a GP practice or speak to a pharmacist. If you are unwell or injured and not sure where to go, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 first.
“This saves you time and effort and is the best way to ensure NHS staff can treat you effectively if needed.
“Alternatively, you can: • use one of the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) or minor injuries units which can treat a range of illnesses and minor injuries.
Find a list on our website https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/…/support/urgent/ • access urgent dental care by contacting NHS 111 and they will put you in touch with a local service.
Find more information about urgent mental health support on our website https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/…/i-need…/
More information about how to look after yourself and others on our website https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/…/cold…/
Lacey
2026-01-06 19:29:41
They are their own worst enemy. I'm a nurse at a private hospital in London, and I know I could walk into a job at any other private hospital in the city. Sometimes, I think, 'Wouldn't it be nice to have a local job?' But whenever I look at nursing roles in Harlow, I'm never shortlisted. When I ask why, I’m told there are always nurses with more experience—which is hard to believe given my 25 years! To be fair, Harlow isn't the worst. There are places where, if you see a ward manager with a name from a particular country, you just know that job will close as soon as it’s posted.
Tim smith
2026-01-07 01:32:13
There are loads of people every winter who really don't need to be in a&e, headaches,runny noses,flu,etc can all be treated at home so why oh why do people feel the need to clog up a&e, leave it for genuine cases
David Forman
2026-01-07 01:42:27
Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said this week: "Politicians - make it your New Year’s Resolution to tackle the Emergency Care crisis, which is hurting our patients and putting their lives at risk. This must include a credible and long term plan to reduce bed occupancy rates to 85% all year around, and for hospital flow to be put at the heart of reforms to the NHS this year.” See statement at https://rcem.ac.uk/press-release/make-it-your-new-years-resolution-to-tackle-the-emergency-care-crisis-rcems-plea-to-government-as-aes-continue-to-be-battered-by-winter/
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