Bank holiday bomb warning: NHS officials warn England’s 27 major trauma centres to prepare for a second terrorist attack this weekend

Bank holiday bomb warning: NHS officials warn England’s 27 major trauma centres to prepare for a second terrorist attack this weekend.

NHS hospitals are preparing for a possible terrorist attack this Bank Holiday weekend following fears of a similar incident to the one in Manchester, in which 22 people were massacred at a pop concert.

A letter obtained by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) re-iterates the potential threat the UK faces, with another atrocity believed to be imminent.

It comes after the threat level in the UK was raised to critical – the highest level it could be – in the wake of the suicide bomb attack at the Ariana Grande gig.

The message from Chris Moran, NHS England’s national clinical director for trauma, was sent to the 27 major trauma teams across the country.

These centres, found in various English cities, are set up to provide specialised care and rehabilitation to people suffering life-changing injuries that could result in death.

Staff have been urged to have easy access to their major incident plan, as well as instructing them to carry identification at all times.

They were also asked to ensure they knew what to do in case the hospital is in ‘lock down’, and review their meeting point should such an incident occurs.

The letter read: ‘The trauma community in Manchester has provided a tremendous response to the atrocity on Monday night and this is a credit to their dedication and clinical skills and also the preparation that has taken place.

‘You will be aware that we have a bank holiday weekend approaching.

‘There are a number of things that all trauma units and major trauma centres can do to prepare for a further incident and I should be grateful if you could disseminate these within your network so that front-line clinicians are aware.’

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens announced in a board meeting this morning that trusts are being urged to check staffing levels this Bank Holiday weekend, HSJ reported.

In a separate letter sent to trusts yesterday, Anne Rainsberry, national incident director at NHS England, said trusts need to take specific steps following the renewed threat level.

These include reviewing equipment stocks and blood supplies, as well as identifying patients who could be discharged to create extra room if necessary.