This time of year, NHS are seeing a high demand in common illnesses such as norovirus, flu and other respiratory viral infections so the NHS urges those to get their vaccinations, utilise good hand hygiene, keep warm and stock up on medicines and repeat prescriptions before bank holidays.
Head of Emergency, Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) at North East Ambulance Service, Stu Holliday said: “The winter period is extremely busy and demand for emergency services increases. Across New Years Eve and New Years Day last year, the service received over 1,500 calls across 999 and 111.
“We want everyone to enjoy ringing in the New Year but we also urge the public to please think before picking up the phone to 999 or 111 and think about other services first including 111 online, pharmacies and GP when they are open.
"We would always advise someone who thinks their condition is life threatening to call us but please think before you pick up the phone - do you really need an ambulance or is there another way of you getting help?
"Please always consider 111 online first and if you do think you need to go to hospital, consider whether you're able to make your own way there, if it safe to do so. We also ask that anyone waiting for an ambulance please only call back if their condition worsens or to cancel if it is no longer required. Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them.
“Please ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked up with any regular medication you require as well as essentials like a first aid kit, thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and plasters.
“Finally, if you’re out celebrating, remember your keys, phone and have plans to get home. Please have a good time but look out for each other and don’t ruin your New Year celebrations by ending up in the back of an ambulance.”
The Safe Haven van in partnership with Northumbria Police will be in operation in Newcastle City Centre during these busy periods as well as Medicar in Cleveland which is supported by Cleveland Police.
Stu added: “These services are available to protect vulnerable members of the public by providing them a place of safety, whilst reducing the impact on front-line policing and ambulances. This also helps relieve pressures on local hospitals and provide a secure environment to pass on safety information and give medical assistance to anyone might need it.”
Please remember to use our services wisely and use 999 for urgent medical emergencies only.
Following the Christmas period, New Year is traditionally known as one of the busiest weekends and as we head into the extended bank holiday, emergency services are once again asking for the public’s support to ensure resources are available for those who need them most.
This time of year, NHS are seeing a high demand in common illnesses such as norovirus, flu and other respiratory viral infections so the NHS urges those to get their vaccinations, utilise good hand hygiene, keep warm and stock up on medicines and repeat prescriptions before bank holidays.
Head of Emergency, Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) at North East Ambulance Service, Stu Holliday said: “The winter period is extremely busy and demand for emergency services increases. Across New Years Eve and New Years Day last year, the service received over 1,500 calls across 999 and 111.
“We want everyone to enjoy ringing in the New Year but we also urge the public to please think before picking up the phone to 999 or 111 and think about other services first including 111 online, pharmacies and GP when they are open.
"We would always advise someone who thinks their condition is life threatening to call us but please think before you pick up the phone - do you really need an ambulance or is there another way of you getting help?
"Please always consider 111 online first and if you do think you need to go to hospital, consider whether you're able to make your own way there, if it safe to do so. We also ask that anyone waiting for an ambulance please only call back if their condition worsens or to cancel if it is no longer required. Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them.
“Please ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked up with any regular medication you require as well as essentials like a first aid kit, thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and plasters.
“Finally, if you’re out celebrating, remember your keys, phone and have plans to get home. Please have a good time but look out for each other and don’t ruin your New Year celebrations by ending up in the back of an ambulance.”
The Safe Haven van in partnership with Northumbria Police will be in operation in Newcastle City Centre during these busy periods as well as Medicar in Cleveland which is supported by Cleveland Police.
Stu added: “These services are available to protect vulnerable members of the public by providing them a place of safety, whilst reducing the impact on front-line policing and ambulances. This also helps relieve pressures on local hospitals and provide a secure environment to pass on safety information and give medical assistance to anyone might need it.”
Please remember to use our services wisely and use 999 for urgent medical emergencies only.
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Remain in control – don’t drink too much alcohol to avoid trips, falls and alcohol poisoning
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Keep an eye on each other – drink spiking is a real threat so watch each other’s drinks
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Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home and making sure that you have enough prescription medication to last over the holiday period.
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Community pharmacists are excellent at giving a lot of advice about self-care and medications they can offer you to treat your condition at home.
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Health advice and information is available via the NHS App or the NHS website, or from your local GP practice website which links to a range of online services, and, in most cases, you can order repeat prescriptions online.
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For children’s health advice you can visit the Healthier Together website www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk, which covers a wide range of illnesses in children from common minor ailments including teething, constipation and colds, through to more serious conditions.
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If you, or someone you know, are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support, you can now call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
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If you do suffer a minor injury or illness, NHS 111 online and on the phone is a great place to see advice and can help you reach the right place for your care.
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If you require emergency care, you should call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. You should ONLY go to an Emergency Department if you or someone else has a life-threatening emergency, such as:
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loss of consciousness
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acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
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chest pain
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breathing difficulties
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severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
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severe allergic reactions
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severe burns or scalds
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stroke
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major trauma such as a road traffic accident