Health officials in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, are reporting very high demand at local emergency departments as of February 17, 2026, due to a significant rise in seasonal winter illnesses and patients requiring specialist care.
The NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board is urging residents with minor health issues to use the Pharmacy First service or contact the NHS 111 phone line. These options are designed to provide faster help for non-emergency problems and keep hospital beds free for those in critical condition.
People in the city can also visit the GP Gloucester Health Access Centre, which remains open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the week. This centre serves as a primary alternative for residents who need to see a doctor but do not have a life-threatening emergency.
Local travel to the hospital is currently more difficult because of the closure of Claremont Road for essential electrical work. This road, located near the hospital site, closed on January 6, 2026, and is expected to stay shut until August 14, 2026.
The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is also managing internal pressure due to a long-running pay dispute with staff who take blood samples. These staff members have recently rejected pay offers, adding to the staffing challenges faced by the hospitals during this period of high demand.
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