Where to get medical help after ‘critical incident’ declared at Coventry Hospital

A critical incident has been declared at University Hospital Coventry amid mounting pressure on the A&E department at the Walsgrave hospital.

The trust says this is due to ‘severe and sustained’ pressure and is urging everyone to do their bit by choosing the right service for their condition if they need help.

People should only go to the emergency department or call 999 for severe conditions such as serious accidents or life-threatening conditions. There are a number of other services across Coventry and Warwickshire, including urgent health centres and minor injuries – we’ve outlined them all below.

Tracey Brigstock, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “We are experiencing exceptional pressure across our services, particularly in our Emergency Department. Despite our teams working tirelessly, demand is exceeding our capacity.

“Declaring a Critical Incident is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect patient safety.

“We are asking the public to only attend the Emergency Department if they have a life-threatening emergency and to use NHS 111, GP services or urgent treatment centres where appropriate.

“I am sorry for the disruption this may cause and thank our staff for their continued professionalism. I also ask everyone to be patient and kind to our teams during this challenging time.”

Where to go for your condition1. Emergency Department & 999 (A&E)Status: Experiencing extreme pressure (6+ hour wait times).When to Go: Life-threatening and severe medical emergencies ONLY.Suitable Conditions: Chest pain, signs of a stroke, or severe breathing difficulties Unconsciousness, heavy blood loss, or deep severe wounds Major trauma, severe head injuries, or complex life-threatening injuries Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)Locations: Adults & Children: University Hospital Coventry (Clifford Bridge Road) Emergency Gynaecology & Eye Units: Located at University Hospital Coventry (Note: Emergency Eye Unit accepts referrals and telephone consultations via NHS 111)2. Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) & Minor Injury Units (MIUs)

Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units can diagnose and treat urgent, non-life-threatening conditions much faster than A&E. Current wait times across local units are under 1 hour .

Coventry Minor Injuries Unit (UHCW) Location: Ground floor (to the left of the main entrance), University Hospital Coventry, Clifford Bridge Road, CV2 2DX Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Age Limit: Ages 5 and above (has separate waiting areas for adults and pediatrics) Suitable Conditions: Broken bones, sprains, fractures, minor burns, skin infections, minor eye conditions (ophthalmology room available), and minor hand injuries (same-day reconstructive plastic surgery available for minor hand trauma).Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre Location: Stoney Stanton Rd, Coventry, CV1 4FS Opening Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Age Limit: All ages Suitable Conditions: Minor cuts and wounds, sprains and strains, minor burns, insect and animal bites, stitch removal, and ear/throat infections.Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre / Minor Injuries Unit Location: Hospital of St Cross, Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5PX Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Age Limit: Does NOT see children under the age of 5 Suitable Conditions: Minor injuries, cuts, sprains, minor burns, and simple fractures.3. NHS 111 (Phone or Online)When to Use: When you need urgent medical advice, aren’t sure where to go, or cannot get through to your local GP surgery.Services Provided: Free, 24/7 triaging to determine the quickest and safest care path. Can book arrival slots at Urgent Treatment Centres or local out-of-hours GP services. Direct access to telephone consultations for specialized units (such as the Emergency Eye Unit). Emergency prescription requests.4. Community Pharmacies (“Pharmacy First”)When to Use: Minor, common illnesses and ailments.Services Provided: Local pharmacists are trained clinical professionals who can assess, give advice, and prescribe prescription-strength treatments directly without needing a GP appointment for seven common conditions: Earache (ages 1–17) Sore throat (ages 5+) Sinusitis (ages 12+) Infected insect bites (ages 1+) Impetigo (ages 1+) Shingles (ages 18+) Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections / UTIs (women aged 16–64)5. General Practice (GP Surgeries)When to Use: Ongoing medical issues, chronic conditions, or routine illness.Services Provided: In-person, telephone, or online appointments for non-urgent health management, routine check-ups, and long-term treatment planning.

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