NHS bosses have asked the public to help over the weekend as the healthcare system across Nottinghamshire continues to face extreme pressures. It comes after a critical incident has been expanded to the whole of the county on Thursday night (September 29).
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust are facing extreme pressures and additional measures are being put in place to make sure staff are supported to continue to deliver high quality care to their patients. To help deal with the pressures and help NHS staff focus on caring for the most serious patients, health bosses are urging the public to think twice about which services they need over the weekend.
People are urged to call 999 or attend A&E departments only for serious accidents and for genuine emergencies as the staff are braced for extreme pressures. For non-emergency calls, those who need urgent medical care are advised to call 111 at any time of day or night.
READ MORE: Nottinghamshire hospitals declare county-wide critical incident amid 'extreme pressures’
Amid challenging times, patients are asked to treat all NHS and care staff with the respect they deserve. The public is also urged to wash hands and wear a mask when visiting health care settings, and make sure they have had all the Covid-19 vaccinations.
Those dealing with minor illnesses including coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains are advised to approach pharmacists for over-the counter advice and medication. Find a pharmacy near you here.
For non-emergency injuries, people are advised to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre, rather than A&E. Waiting times are usually much shorther, the bosses stress.
There are a number of UTCs available across Nottinghamshire. For non-emergency injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts and scalds, visit:
- Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-7pm. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
- Newark – Newark Hospital is open 9am-10pm (last patient admitted at 9.30pm). It can be found on Boundary Road, NG24 4DE
- Sutton In Ashfield Primary Care 24 is open 24 hours a day and can be found at King’s Mill Hospital, NG17 4JL
- Ilkeston Community Hospital – is open 8am – 8pm. It can be found on Heanor Road , Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8LN. You can book into this service via 111. For other non-urgent cases, when you need medical advice and it’s not an emergency, please speak to your GP practice or a pharmacist.
Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Our services are facing a huge amount of pressure at the moment but there are ways that the public can help us. Only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a life-threatening emergency. If you are unsure where you should go, contact 111 first to make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.
“If your concern can wait until Monday, then it is not an emergency and you should contact your GP, 111 or nearest urgent treatment centre for guidance rather than attending our hospitals. Don’t forget that pharmacists are also trained clinicians who can give you advice and over the counter medication too. You can find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website.
“It is very important we all do our bit to help maintain our services for those who need them the most, but I want to stress that the NHS is here for you and if you have any health concerns, please do visit your pharmacy, GP or visit an urgent treatment centre. Thank you for your ongoing support”
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