Statement from One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System NHS partners: NHS Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust:

The NHS in Gloucestershire has today stood down the Critical Incident declared last week, but are asking for the public’s continued support as ‘significant pressures’ remain.

The critical incident was called due to a combination of factors, including high levels of flu and norovirus, as well as high levels of need.

It allowed the NHS in Gloucestershire to take additional, immediate steps to create capacity in community and hospital services, help discharge patients, relieve pressure on the emergency departments and also release ambulances and their crews.

Although services are now on a more ‘stable footing’ due to the outstanding efforts of staff, levels of seasonal illness and need remain very high. The NHS is urging the public to only call 999 or attend the Emergency Departments in Gloucester or Cheltenham if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury.

GP practices and community services are also facing huge challenges during a particularly difficult winter season and the public are asked to continue to follow campaign messages to get the right care to meet their needs.

Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram (Raghu) said:

“We would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to health and care professionals in practices, community services, hospital wards and departments and emergency services for their superb efforts during an incredibly challenging period – going well beyond the call of duty for their patients.

We would also like to thank patients and the public for their understanding and support and for continuing to follow our Click or Call First campaign messages to get the right care.”

If people in the county are ill or injured and unsure where to turn, 24/7, they should click or call NHS 111. 111 in Gloucestershire can access a local doctor led assessment service and is there to ensure people get the advice and care they need.

The public can also use the ASAP Glos website and app and follow local NHS social media channels to access daily advice on getting the right care and services for them.” 

Key advice:

  • If you have a minor health issue or need advice on medication, please use your community pharmacy. Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals and can also advise on whether you need another local NHS service.
  • If you have an illness that won’t got away after self-care or advice from the pharmacy, click or call your GP surgery. If it’s urgent and your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 111 and they will make sure you get the care you need. The GP led Gloucester Health Access Centre (GL1 2TZ) is also open 7 days a week. Ring in advance on 01452 336290 to check appointment availability.
  • If you are ill or injured and not sure where to turn, 24/7, click or call NHS 111. 111 can arrange a call with a clinician, book you a GP appointment or an appointment at a community minor injury and illness unit if needed.
  • Only call 999 or attend the two Emergency Departments at Gloucester and Cheltenham if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury. For example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing or is bleeding heavily.
  • Please work with NHS teams to get loved one’s home from hospital as quickly and as safely as possible, with additional help, if necessary, from local NHS community services or adult social care teams.
  • If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.
  • Play your part by taking simple steps during the cold weather to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Wrap up warm and make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
  • Get your flu vaccination – free flu vaccinations are still available to those eligible (see here). Speak to your pharmacy team (find one here) or GP practice.

To help prevent the spread of winter illnesses, please:

  • Do not visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting.
  • If you are symptom free and are visiting hospital, you are encouraged to wear a face covering.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, as this is the best way to stop bugs spreading. Alcohol hand gels do notkill norovirus.
  • Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from nhs.uk