Patient group warns pressure on Norfolk's NHS may get worse before improving
Local NHS bosses say they're seeing "extremely high levels of demand"
A Norfolk patient group is warning that pressure on our local hospitals could get worse before it gets better.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney bosses say they are seeing "extremely high levels of demand", and are working with nearby healthcare providers to cope.
"Last few weeks have been hugely challenging"
Alex Stewart is the chief executive for Healthwatch Norfolk:
"In terms of West Norfolk the last few weeks have been hugely challenging, mirroring the wider problem across the country.
"People are experiencing long delays, there are long ambulance waits- there's frequently ten or twelve ambulances outside of our hospitals."
"Avoid hospitals where possible and look to other alternatives"
He says there's things we can all do- to mitigate this:
"I think that if people could avoid hospitals where possible and look to other alternatives to manage their health- would be really helpful.
"But that's of course completely different if they are really ill.
"So, if you'd had a stroke, got internal bleeding or external bleeding that they can't stop or can't breathe, they should naturally go to hospital but otherwise, I would avoid them."
"The problems will occur if operations are routinely cancelled"
"People are going on strike, all credit to them, they are not going to strike in the event that there is an emergency.
"So, I think they are acting in a very responsible manner. The problems will occur if operations are routinely cancelled and patients are forced to rebook them. That could cause quite serious problems."
What have local NHS bosses said?
Marcus Bailey is Winter Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney:
“Our health and care system is experiencing extremely high levels of demand and Emergency Department staff are working closely with other health and care colleagues to make sure patients are seen as quickly as possible.
“We are seeing large numbers of very unwell people attending Emergency Departments, calling NHS 111, accessing GP services and calling 999; as well as an increase in seasonal illnesses such as flu, norovirus and Covid-19.
"We also face ongoing challenges in discharging patients who are well enough to leave hospital to create capacity for patients coming in; and an increase in staff sickness, all of which means longer waits than we would like for patients.
“Key actions include creating additional bed capacity and supporting the timely discharge of people who no longer need to stay in hospital, providing additional support to care homes to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and redeploying staff and using reservist and other staff including those from the VCSE sector where help is needed most.
“Our first priority has to be providing the most urgent and lifesaving care. Patient safety must take priority and we need to take action to make sure that those who are more clinically urgent get the help they need as quickly as possible.
"Essential services are open for those who need it most. This means that many patients in less urgent need of care may have to wait longer than we would like. We apologise to those patients and ask for their understanding during this time of extreme pressure.
“People are being urged to only attend an Emergency Department if it’s absolutely necessary. The best way to get the medical help you need is to think NHS 111 first. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for anything that feels urgent, or if you are unsure what to do.”