Published on: 25 April 2023
Healthcare bosses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are reminding people that NHS services will be busy during the upcoming May Bank Holidays and planned Industrial Action.
To help the NHS cope with the anticipated demand, healthcare professionals are urging people to use services wisely. By using the right service, and preparing ahead such as ordering repeat prescriptions, patients can ensure that care is available to those who need it most.
People are advised to first contact 111 online for non-life-threatening health needs, and to only use 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
There may be a change in opening times for some NHS services, including GP practices and pharmacies, so it’s important to get organised and think ahead.
Dr Will Taylor, Medical Director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared for the bank holiday weekends.
"There are a number of different things people can do to be ready, for example, collect your repeat prescription in good time, keep your medicine cabinet stocked and know which healthcare services are available to you.
“You can call 111 or visit 111 online, which is a free NHS Service and 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.”
Dr Christine Blanshard, Chief Medical Officer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “With two bank holidays and strikes taking place, we are expecting services to be under increased pressure.”
“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 really are appealing for people to help us by choosing wisely and only visit our Emergency Department if they are seriously sick. There are alternatives and we’d urge people to consider these.
“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.
