Royal Liverpool Hospital declared a critical incident on Tuesday 7 January after a rise in patient admissions to wards with the flu and respiratory illnesses. | ITV News Granada

Hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, Liverpool and Plymouth have declared critical incidents following a surge in patients with respiratory issues

Another Merseyside hospital has declared a critical incident as the crisis in Accident and Emergency continues to grip the region. Today, Whiston Hospital became the latest to make the emergency announcement, joining the Royal Liverpool and Arrowe Park in Wirral who have all made such declarations this week.

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital has declared a critical incident due to "exceptionally high" demand on A&E and patients being admitted to wards.

Liverpool Royal Hospital has declared a critical incident amid high flu levels to "support the safe care and treatment of patients" as it works with support organisations

Hospital has brought in emergency measures to deal with 'exceptionally high demand' - this is how it will impact patients and staff

Multiple critical incidents have been declared across a number of UK hospitals as many services struggle under a perfect storm of cold weather, respiratory conditions, flu, Covid-19, and norovirus.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said a critical incident had been declared because of sustained pressures at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals. A spokesperson said beds across both hospitals were full and attendance at emergency departments was "extremely high".

Two Somerset hospitals have declared critical incidents due to sharp rises in patients presenting with flu and other respiratory illnesses.