This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-34787108

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Portsmouth A&E diverted 21 patients because of 'exceptional demand' Portsmouth A&E diverted more than 30 patients because of 'exceptional demand'
(about 7 hours later)
Emergency patients had to be diverted to other hospitals because of "exceptional demand" at an Accident and Emergency unit, the BBC has learned.Emergency patients had to be diverted to other hospitals because of "exceptional demand" at an Accident and Emergency unit, the BBC has learned.
On three days between 28 October and 7 November, the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth sent 21 patients to Chichester and Southampton's A&E units. On three days between 28 October and 7 November, the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth sent 34 patients to Chichester and Southampton's A&E units.
Those with "time-sensitive" or "life-threatening" issues were still seen.Those with "time-sensitive" or "life-threatening" issues were still seen.
The hospital trust said "unprecedented numbers" of "frail and elderly patients" had needed urgent care.The hospital trust said "unprecedented numbers" of "frail and elderly patients" had needed urgent care.
It was "rare" to take a decision to divert emergency patients, said a Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson, who added such a call was "based on safety needs... during periods of exceptional demand".It was "rare" to take a decision to divert emergency patients, said a Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson, who added such a call was "based on safety needs... during periods of exceptional demand".
Queen Alexandra Hospital told BBC Radio Solent it diverted nine patients to Southampton General on 5 November.Queen Alexandra Hospital told BBC Radio Solent it diverted nine patients to Southampton General on 5 November.
On 28 October, it took one to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and 11 to Southampton.On 28 October, it took one to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and 11 to Southampton.
Patients were also diverted on 7 November but no figure is available. South Central Ambulance Service confirmed a further 13 patients were also diverted on 7 November, the majority sent to Southampton.
'Too many delayed''Too many delayed'
In June, healthcare inspectors released a report which said patients attending A&E at Queen Alexandra Hospital were "at risk of unsafe care and treatment".In June, healthcare inspectors released a report which said patients attending A&E at Queen Alexandra Hospital were "at risk of unsafe care and treatment".
By August, the chief inspector of hospitals in England said the most serious concerns had been addressed.By August, the chief inspector of hospitals in England said the most serious concerns had been addressed.
In October, trust chief executive Ursula Ward wrote to the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) raising concerns the hospital was running at occupancy rates "frequently well in excess of 94%".In October, trust chief executive Ursula Ward wrote to the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) raising concerns the hospital was running at occupancy rates "frequently well in excess of 94%".
She said a key objective was to free up acute beds, as up to 130 patients in the hospital were waiting to be discharged at any given time.She said a key objective was to free up acute beds, as up to 130 patients in the hospital were waiting to be discharged at any given time.
Dr James Hogan, of NHS Portsmouth CCG, said "too many people" were delayed as they moved within Queen Alexandra Hospital or when they were ready to be discharged.Dr James Hogan, of NHS Portsmouth CCG, said "too many people" were delayed as they moved within Queen Alexandra Hospital or when they were ready to be discharged.
The hospital trust as a whole is rated as "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.The hospital trust as a whole is rated as "outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.