Critical incident stood down across Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Health bosses say significant pressure still remains
Last updated 13th Jan 2023
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Joined Up Care Derbyshire have stood down their critical incident.
It's after pressure across some services has reduced. However, services remain under sustained and significant pressure and patients and members of the public continue to be asked to use services wisely to ensure those patients with the greatest need can access care and support.
To help cope with pressures, some elective care treatments were postponed during the critical incident with health bosses telling us this is the busiest winter they have seen.
Joined Up Care Derbyshire say: "This was to help clinically prioritise care and maintain safe services for patients. During the critical incident period, some ambulance service workers took part in industrial action called by the GMB union.
"The significant winter planning, and additional planning for coping with strike action, has ensured the NHS has remained open for business and been able to care for patients with greatest need."
Dr Chris Weiner, Executive Medical Director for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, and strategic gold commander for the incident, said: "Services will continue to prioritise patients with the highest level of need and ensure that we can safely manage emergency care. We are still facing significant pressure across the health and care system and we know that upcoming industrial action over the coming weeks will also put added pressure on the system.
“Despite an improvement in waiting times for ambulances, hospital bed admissions and discharges, staff at the front line remain under significant and sustained pressure in their efforts to provide safe care. We are grateful to everyone who has taken steps to help relieve the pressure, and continue to praise our incredible teams across the health and social care sector for their efforts in keeping our citizens safe.
“We do have ongoing concerns about the forthcoming industrial action over the coming weeks, but we are reminding the public that the NHS remains open for business and people should continue to contact the NHS if they have a health concern. NHS 111 online can help with symptom checking and guide users to the right service.
“Despite the pressure, we have been able to maintain the vast majority of operations and procedures planned over the past couple of weeks. Some patients have waited longer than we would like for their procedure and we have been determined to avoid having to cancel care for these patients. We know it can be a worrying time ahead of surgery, and we want to reassure everyone on lists that their care is a priority for us.”
Joined Up Care Derbyshire say there are a range of steps everyone can take to help:
- Only call 999 or attend accident and emergency departments when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
- When needing urgent medical care but it’s not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online– uk – or call NHS111 for advice on how to get care at any time of day or night.
- Utilising an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) if you have a minor illness or injury, such as sprains, fractures, minor burns, skin infections, animal bites, minor eye and head injuries, stings and bites. Urgent treatment centres/Minor Injury Unitsare available 8am-8pm in Derby, Ilkeston, Ripley, Darley Dale, Buxton, Lichfield and Tamworth and can help with care and treatment for many of the most common issues that people attend emergency departments for. They will often be able to help get the care needed more quickly than accident and emergency departments. Please only attend a UTC if you need urgent treatment for an illness or injury.
- See a pharmacist for advice on a minor illness such as a cough or cold. Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
- Contact your GP for symptoms that won’t go away, such as lumps, unexpected weight loss, abnormal bleeding and persistent pain. GP practices also employ highly trained professionals such as physiotherapists, nurses, dieticians and others.
- Check on neighbours, friends and family who have an existing respiratory condition, to ensure they are okay and not suffering from additional wheeziness or shortness of breath. It is also important to ensure they are following their care plan with medication, inhalers and oxygen support. If you are concerned and feel you need clinical advice, use NHS 111 onlineor call 111. It is essential that they receive treatment early and seek to prevent an admission to hospital.