NHS chiefs’ plea over emergency services

HEALTH bosses in Hampshire are urging jubilee revellers not to clog up accident and emergency departments.

Thousands of NHS workers will be working over the festive period to provide a network of support for people seeking medical advice whilst preventinganunnecessaryinfluxofpeopleinemergencydepartments.

The bank holiday will see thousands across the county indulging in food and booze, but the festivities are a cause for concern for emergency departments across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, who fear that drunken accidents will result in the bombardment of hospitals.

In an attempt to reduce the numbersofpeopleadmittedto emergencydepartments,here will be a range of support dedicated to giving primary care to those that need it. NHS 111 is availablearoundtheclock,and ongoing improvements have resultedinstaffhavingtheability to book patients in with GP or urgent treatment centre appointments if needed.

Dr Nicola Decker, the clinical lead for Hampshire, Southampton,andIsleofWightCCG, said:‘Overthewholeweekend, an army of superb staff will be working across our communities – in our 111 teams online andonthephones,inpharmacies,inUrgentTreatmentCentres, in out-of-hours services – to keep people safe and well.

‘If anyone needs help in a hurry – and it’s not a genuine medical emergency - we have the teams in place to help you outwithoutspendingthebank holiday in a hospital waiting room.’

Mark Rowell, Head of Integrated Urgent Care and NHS 111 Services said: ‘Please take care and ensure you have your medications and support you need for the weekend.’