Birmingham Emergency Care Moves to New Hospital

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has declared a critical incident amid extreme pressures from a surge in flu cases. At the same time, emergency and urgent care services at the historic City Hospital in Birmingham have officially concluded.

Service Changes at City Hospital

Emergency and urgent care services at the historic City Hospital in Birmingham officially concluded as the last patients were transferred to the newly operational Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. Former users of City Hospital's Accident and Emergency department are now directed to seek emergency care at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital or visit Summerfield Urgent Treatment Centre for less severe issues.

Trust Guidance on Alternatives

The Trust is urging the community to consider alternative services for minor healthcare needs, including Urgent Treatment Centres, Pharmacy First, NHS111, and GP Practices. This approach aims to ease pressures on emergency departments while the critical incident remains in place due to the flu surge.

Practical Steps for Residents

For life-threatening emergencies in Birmingham, residents should dial 999, while non-life-threatening medical help is available via NHS 111 online or by phone. The combination of the hospital transition and the flu-related critical incident means local services are directing patients to the most appropriate options based on the severity of their needs.

The critical incident declaration highlights ongoing demands on the Trust's resources. With the closure of services at City Hospital now complete, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick handles the main emergency workload. Summerfield Urgent Treatment Centre provides an option for less severe cases, helping to manage patient flow.

Community members facing minor issues are encouraged to explore Urgent Treatment Centres, Pharmacy First schemes, NHS111, or their GP Practices first. This guidance supports the Trust's efforts to maintain capacity during the current pressures from the flu surge. Life-threatening situations continue to require a 999 call, with NHS 111 serving as the route for other medical queries online or by phone.