'Almost every bed occupied' in Hampshire and Isle of Wight hospitals
'Urgent plea' to help local NHS services during 'significant pressures'
NHS bosses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight say 'almost every bed is occupied' at local hospitals.
They've also dealt with 38,000 urgent attendances to GPs, minor injuries units, urgent treatment centre and A&Es in the last week along - an average of one every two seconds.
Enquiries related to Strep A are three times their usual level at this time of year as well, with parents and carers concerned following a number of deaths across the country in recent weeks.
The 'significant pressures' have led to an 'urgent plea' for communities to do what they can to limit the demand on services.
We're asked to choose the right service when we medical help, and treat common illness and injuries at home where possible.
The advice includes to keep stocked up with essentials like paracetamol, plasters, bandages and upset tummy remedies.
If you need urgent help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, you're encouraged to visit 111.nhs.uk.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, then still attend a local Emergency Department or call 999.
Medical emergencies can include a loss of consciousness, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, or severe burns or scalds.
Dr Derek Sandeman, Chief Medical Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said:
“Winter is always a challenging time of year for our population and also the NHS. You will have heard on the news that this winter feels the most difficult the NHS has faced and that is the experience of colleagues working in our system. I want to publicly thank them for stepping up to try and meet the demands which at times have felt overwhelming. I also know that this can make it hard for you to find the care you need and are being asked to wait longer than any of us would like. I’m sorry for the added frustration this is causing.
“Unfortunately, due to the current situation we may need to postpone some appointments to meet this urgent and emergency demand. We need to ask for your help in being understanding of this as well as using sites such as Healthier Together, which provides advice and guidance for pregnant women, parents and guardians of children and young people aged up to 18 and NHS.uk to get advice on common conditions that don’t necessarily require clinical support.”
Dr Tim Cooper, GP Partner and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Primary and Local Care at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said:
“Health and care teams are doing all they can to respond to general winter pressures, alongside a rise in attendances and contacts with health services due to high levels of strep A infection. Within general practice this means that some routine appointments may be postponed to help clinicians treat patients who need to be seen urgently, but we will do our best to minimise disruption. Colleagues continue working hard to support our patients, so please be patient with us as we try to find the best possible way to help you. As always, if your need is urgent, please get in touch.”