Croydon University Hospital services ‘pressure’ expected to last three months

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Huge pressure on services at Croydon University Hospital is expected to last for at least another three months, hospital bosses have warned.

The latest NHS data available shows that in November, 442 people waited for more than 12 hours for a bed at the hospital in London Road, after it was decided they needed to stay in hospital.

Figures for December are expected to be released this week, but Matthew Kershaw, chief executive of the NHS trust that runs the hospital, warned the pressures in Croydon will continue for months.

Speaking at a meeting of the One Croydon Health and Care Board on Wednesday, he said: “This is unlikely to resolve itself immediately, we are likely to see continued pressures in emergency and the whole system until Easter.

“Our responsibility is to respond to that immediate challenge. In the meantime we have to support our staff who are having to work in these challenging circumstances.”

Mr Kershaw said there is still the challenge of Covid patients in hospital, albeit on a smaller scale than in 2021.

There are also high numbers of patients with flu and other respiratory diseases. He said it was one of the “most pressured” winters seen in Croydon.

Lee McPhail, chief operating officer at the health trust, said measures taken by Croydon University Hospital meant patients were not being treated in corridors.

This week, Croydon was selected as one of six hospitals nationally to take part in a pilot to free up hospital beds by giving people care in the community.

Croydon has been awarded £800,000 of funding to triple the amount of residents who can continue their treatment at home once they are well enough to leave hospital.

Mr McPhail added: “Our NHS and social care teams are under greater pressure than ever before, as we continue to see huge numbers of critically ill patients, requiring hospital care.

“The funding will allow us to provide greater support to those patients ready to leave hospital and receive care elsewhere, but will also improve the flow of patients coming through our hospital doors, helping us to provide safe and high quality care to everyone who needs us; in the right place, at the right time.”

Pictured top: Matthew Kershaw, chief executive of Croydon University Hospital (Picture: Croydon Health Services Trust)