Published on: 13 June 2023
The NHS across Herefordshire and Worcestershire continues to see significant demand on all services and pressure is set to continue throughout the hot weather, coupled with the 3-day Junior Doctor's strike action starting tomorrow (Wednesday 14 June).
People are reminded to take preventative measures during the hot weather such as staying out of the sun to keep cool and staying hydrated to prevent more serious conditions such as heat stroke and other heat related issues that might warrant medical attention.
Healthcare bosses are also reminding local people that the NHS is there for them but to ensure they use the right services for their needs.
Guiding patients to the right services helps to ensure that care is available to those who need it most. Patients are advised to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
Dr Christine Blanshard, Chief Medical Officer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “With strikes taking place, we are expecting services to be under increased pressure.”
“You can call 111 or visit 111 online, which is a free NHS Service. They can quickly direct you to the right health service, including out of hours GP appointments. Pharmacists can also help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries.”
“Local people can play their part to help reduce pressures on services by only using 999 and A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital.”
James Bartlett, Consultant, Acute Medicine, Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’re doing all we can to ensure we provide safe services during the industrial action this week.
“We really are appealing for people to help us by choosing wisely and only visit our Emergency Department if they are seriously sick and to look after themselves in the hot weather to prevent heat related illness.
“If you have an appointment, please continue to come forward for the care you need. Please don’t call to check if your hospital appointment is going ahead, you’ll be contacted directly if it needs to be rearranged.”
During strike action the NHS is prioritising resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery. Appointments will only be cancelled where it is necessary and will be rescheduled immediately, where possible.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 for any urgent but not life-threatening medical needs. Trained advisers can direct people to the best possible care for their needs, including arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment or an appointment time to attend A&E or a Minor Injury Unit.
