The critical incident has been stood down but pressures remain high – particularly in one areaA big change has been made to Coventry's emergency department following complaints from locals.

Pressure on services remains high(Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Pressures remain in one area of a Coventry hospital after a critical incident was declared this week.

Bosses at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust declared a critical incident on Thursday after growing demand at the Coventry hospital emergency department.

It came as waiting times at A&E grew to an ‘unacceptable’ level.

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But yesterday (Saturday 24), the critical incident was stood down as pressures eased, although services remained ‘busy’.

Staff were praised for their ‘outstanding’ work during the critical incident.

This afternoon, (Sunday 25) the live A&E wait times show pressures continuing to ease – in every area apart from one.

Wait times at the children’s emergency department in Coventry are still more than six hours at the time of writing.

The regular emergency department, also based at the Clifford Bridge Road site, is more than two hours.

At the minor injuries unit and the Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre, the wait time is more than one hour.

And people are continuing to be urged to choose the right service for their needs. UHCW said the NHS 111 service can support people who need medical assistance fast when it’s not an emergency.

They also reminded people that the pharmacist can provide treatment or even some prescription medications if needed without first having to see a GP.

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