Health services in the South stretched heading into New Year
We're being urged to be responsible and only call 999 when absolutely neccessary
Last updated 2nd Jan 2025
People are being told not to go to Southampton General Hospital's emergency department unless absolutely necessary, as staff remain under huge pressure.
Bosses at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust say that 450 people a day presented at A&E over New Year, putting extra pressure on bed availability across the hospital.
Many of those suffered with winter illnesses, with more than 100 patients having the flu or another respiratory condition.
There has also been an increase in staff sickness.
Paul Grundy, the trust's chief medical officer, has urged people to help them out by only attending in an absolute emergency.
He added:
"We're asking patients to consider three things. Firstly, please don't come to the emergency department at present unless you've got a serious life or limb-threatening illness, in which case we will try and see you and prioritise your care.
"For families and relatives wanting to come and visit patients who are in the hospital at the moment, we urge you to be very cautious if you have any infections illnesses, as these can be very dangerous to other patients.
"Finally, we'd like your help in helping us to discharge patients who are ready to go home at this moment in time. If you're able to come and collect friends or family members to help free up beds in the hospital at this time of great pressure, that would be much appreciated."
Meanwhile, the South East Coast Ambulance trust (SECAmb) is urging people to use their services wisely, after taking more than 3,000 calls on Boxing Day.
Call handlers for the service, which operates across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, also responded to around 6,000 alerts last Saturday and Sunday (December 28th-29th).
At peak times across New Year’s Eve and New Years Day, the trust was responding to approximately to three calls every minute.
With demand expected to remain high into the first weekend of 2025, people are being reminded that 999 should only be called in cases of serious or life-threatening emergencies.
People dealing with less major incidents are reminded to use alternatives, such as speaking to a pharmacist for advice or making use of NHS 111 either by phone or online at 111.nhs.uk.
SECAmb Chief Executive, Simon Weldon said:
"I would like to every colleague who has worked so hard throughout the past 12 months to respond to the needs of our patients. Thank you to everyone who has spent time away from their family and friends to look after our communities over Christmas and New Year.
“I would also like to thank all our volunteers. They provide vital support, day-in, day-out, to our frontline teams, freely giving up their time to make their communities safer.
“I am certain that 2025 will see our teams, whatever their role across our organisation, continue to provide compassionate care to their local population.
“As a service, we will do everything we can to ensure we are providing the best possible care for our patients by working in close partnership with the wider NHS and partner organisations across our region."
What can we do to keep ourselves safe over winter
Take up the opportunity for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations when offered to protect yourself and others.
Look out for any vulnerable family or friends – is there anything you can do to help them? Are there any hazards in their homes? Do their slippers need replacing?
Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells
Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer
Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and reduce drafts – if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable
Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so
Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer
Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies