Officials Urge Use of Alternative Services as City Hospital A&E Operations End

Emergency and urgent care services at City Hospital in Birmingham ended when the Accident & Emergency department ceased operations at 05:00 GMT on Sunday. The last patients were transferred to the newly operational Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. Former users of City Hospital’s A&E services are now directed to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital for emergencies or Summerfield Urgent Treatment Centre for less severe health issues.

Pressures on Emergency Departments

The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has declared a critical incident due to extreme pressures from a surge in flu cases. Approximately 269 flu patients are being treated across its facilities, with waiting times escalating. The Trust states that this level of demand is unprecedented in emergency departments.

Recommendations from the Trust

The Trust is urging the community to consider alternative services for minor healthcare needs. These include Urgent Treatment Centres, Pharmacy First, NHS 111, or GP practices. Officials have emphasised that these options can help manage demand while ensuring life-threatening cases receive priority response.

Residents are reminded that for life-threatening emergencies in Birmingham the correct action remains to dial 999. For non-life-threatening medical help, contact NHS 111 online or by phone. The guidance comes directly from the Trust’s public statements on current service availability and capacity.

Practical Steps for Residents

People who previously relied on City Hospital A&E are advised to update their plans for urgent care accordingly. Midland Metropolitan University Hospital now handles the main emergency caseload, while Summerfield Urgent Treatment Centre provides an option for conditions that do not require full A&E resources. The Trust continues to monitor demand and will communicate further updates through official NHS channels as the situation develops.