Published on: 14 December 2022
With a higher demand than ever for NHS services, emergency departments and general practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are asking people to help by using services wisely and being kind to staff.
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “Our services are seeing a huge demand as we enter the busiest time of the year for the NHS. Covid is still with us, flu and other seasonal illnesses are circulating, and cases of Strep A in children has also risen and combined this has led to an increase in the numbers contacting and attending NHS services.
“We are hearing reports of staff being treated rudely, verbally abused and shouted at on the phone or across counters, and this is not acceptable.
“With more and more people seeking help, it might take longer to get through to your GP surgery or to access other services and we ask people to be patient and kind to our staff who are all working under extreme pressure to get you the help you need.
Hospitals are also experiencing rising demand in emergency departments and are asking people to ensure they use alternatives where possible it is not an emergency and to be patient when attending.
Dr Taylor adds: “Our emergency departments are under extreme pressure, and we ask that people only use them for life threatening emergencies and to use other alternatives if seeking advice.
“We are particularly seeing a lot of worried parents seeking advice for sore throats and common winter bugs, and we’d ask that unless it is an emergency, to seek advice online through the NHS website or contacting NHS 111.”
People are reminded also to think NHS 111 first, this means visiting 111.nhs.uk or using the NHS App for any urgent but not life-threatening illnesses or injuries. 111 advisers can also arrange for you to have a call with a relevant professional or can book appointments if necessary.
Healthcare bosses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire would like to reassure people that even over the festive period the NHS remains open and available to anyone who needs it.
