HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP

A KEY way in which the public can ease some of the pressure on the healthcare system is through approaching the right place of care when they need support.

This includes the 111 service, GPs, pharmacies, urgent treatment centres and minor injury units – not purely emergency departments.

A spokesperson for Joined Up Care Derbyshire said: “Emergency services across Derby and Derbyshire continue to come under heavy pressure as we head into winter.

“Colleagues across the system continue to work exceptionally hard to manage this demand and accommodate an increase in sicker patients requiring admission.

“We are sorry some patients attending A&E sometimes have to wait longer than we would have liked to be admitted.

“Teams across all partners in the wider health and care system across the city and county are developing and are putting into place plans to reduce attendances at A&Es, as well as to help discharge patients safely in a more timely way, in order to allow the next emergency case to be admitted more swiftly.

“It is extremely important that we keep our A&E departments free to prioritise our sickest patients.

“People can help us do this by using the NHS 111 online service first, for advice on non-life-threatening concerns and by also visiting an urgent treatment centre in the community, or our minor injuries units, where staff can provide treatment and advice for minor injuries or illnesses.

“Getting your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations is also an important part of protecting yourself, your family and your community.”