NewsUK NewsHospitalsUniversity Hospital Coventry has declared a critical incident, with its emergency department experiencing queues of more than six hours as demand surges11:49, 09 Sep 2026Updated 13:25, 09 Sep 2026A critical incident has been declared at a Coventry hospital amid "exceptionally high" demand at A&E.‌University Hospital Coventry's website says its emergency department is experiencing queues of more than six hours as demand surges, with patients urged only to attend for serious accidents or life-threatening emergencies.‌The influx of patients has also put significant pressure on hospital beds, the NHS Trust said.‌"Declaring a Critical Incident is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect patient safety," University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said in a statement.It said "severe and sustained pressure" on its services had forced the measure, despite teams "working tirelessly".‌Chief Nursing Officer Tracey Brigstock apologised for the disruption and said NHS 111, GP services or urgent treatment centres could be used where appropriate.A message on the hospital's website reads: "The Trust is currently experiencing exceptionally high demand particularly within its Emergency Department, alongside significant pressure on hospital beds."This is resulting in lengthy waits for some patients despite teams working extremely hard to care for everyone who needs them."‌Ms Brigstock 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."Patients have been urged to ensure they are choosing the right service for their care needs."Only call 999 or attend ED for serious accidents and for life threatening emergencies," the website reads.Article continues below"Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsHospitalsNHS