The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging the public to only call 999 or attend the Emergency Departments in Gloucester or Cheltenham if it’s a life threatening condition or serious injury.
Health and care services across Gloucestershire, like elsewhere in the country, are experiencing considerable pressures this week and NHS leaders have declared a critical incident due to a combination of factors, including high levels of flu and norovirus, as well as high levels of need.
Declaring a critical incident allows the NHS in Gloucestershire to take additional, immediate steps to create capacity, help discharge patients, relieve pressure on the emergency departments and also release ambulances and their crews.
Key actions for health and care services include providing additional GP appointments through 111, opening additional community beds to support people leaving hospital and increasing staffing levels (clinicians) across all urgent care services.
Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram (Raghu) said:
“The two Emergency Departments in Gloucester and Cheltenham are extremely busy, but all health services are dealing with very high levels of need.
“We are asking the public for their continued support over this period by only accessing the Emergency Departments if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury and to continue to use services responsibly.
“There are a range of alternatives available which can be accessed via www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. 111 in Gloucestershire can access a local doctor led assessment service and is there to ensure people get the advice and care they need.
“The public can also follow local NHS social media channels to access daily advice on getting the right care and services for them.
“Finally, the pressures that colleagues are working under at the moment are challenging and we are very grateful to staff for delivering high quality care under these pressures. It is a real credit to their professionalism and dedication.”