FESTIVE demand is putting additional pressure on hospital emergency departments, including the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, leading to a call for people to help out by only calling 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board says patients are facing very long waits as a result.
Rachael Corser, chief nursing officer at the BOB said: “The period immediately after Christmas and before the New Year is traditionally the busiest in the calendar with services being really busy.
“We want to keep as many front-line clinicians available to treat people who are ill and need help urgently.
“So please help us by ensuring you do whatever you can to reduce the pressure on our services.”
She said that the focus is on ensuring patients are safe and critical services continue to run.
“All partners in the NHS, social care and our voluntary organisations are working together so people who need to come into hospital can be admitted safely, and people who are medically fit to leave can be discharged safely,” Ms Corser added.
Ways in which the public can help the NHS
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Only call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency
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Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help and are not sure what to do
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Be ready to collect your family or loved ones from hospital as soon as they are medically well enough to leave. Hospital is not the best place to be once someone is ready for discharge.
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Do not come to the Emergency Department with minor injuries, as you will be signposted elsewhere.
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Use your local pharmacy if you can – they can help with a range of minor health issues including colds, skin problems and earaches.
Ms Corser said that planned procedures and outpatients’ appointments at hospitals are currently still going ahead, but are under constant review.
“If you have an appointment, please attend as planned unless the hospital contacts you directly,” she continued.
“We are monitoring this situation very closely and as always we remain committed to providing the best possible care for patients. Thank you for your support and understanding at this challenging time.”
