THE trust which runs hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester has stepped down from a ‘critical incident’ status after beds at two of its hospital were full.

As previously reported, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) declared the incident on Tuesday, January 30 because of sustained pressures at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.

READ MORE: Hosptial trust declares critical incident 

The trust said that the decision was not taken lightly but said that beds at both hospitals were full with attendance at emergency departments "extremely high".

Basingstoke Gazette: Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust runs Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester hospitalsAs a result there was no capacity to admit further patients needing care at either of the hospitals.

A statement issued by the trust today said it has now stepped down from the critical incident, adding: “Whilst we have now stepped down from this critical incident, it's still incredibly important that we protect care for those who need it most and our communities can help us with this by only attending the emergency department for a life-threatening illness or injury.

"If a friend or loved one is ready for discharge, please help by collecting them at the earliest opportunity.”