The NHS in Gloucestershire 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.

Health and care services across Gloucestershire, like elsewhere in the country, are experiencing considerable pressures this week and NHS leaders have declared a critical incident due to a combination of factors, including high levels of flu and norovirus, as well as high levels of need.

Declaring a critical incident allows the NHS in Gloucestershire to take additional, immediate steps to create capacity, help discharge patients, relieve pressure on the emergency departments and also release ambulances and their crews.

Key actions for health and care services include providing additional GP appointments through 111, opening additional community beds to support people leaving hospital and increasing staffing levels (clinicians) across all urgent care services.

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

“The two Emergency Departments in Gloucester and Cheltenham are extremely busy, but all health services are dealing with very high levels of need.

We are asking the public for their continued support over this period by only accessing the Emergency Departments if it’s a life-threatening condition or serious injury and to continue to use services responsibly.

There are a range of alternatives available which can be accessed via www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 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 follow local NHS social media channels to access daily advice on getting the right care and services for them.

Finally, the pressures that colleagues are working under at the moment are challenging and we are very grateful to staff for delivering high quality care under these pressures. It is a real credit to their professionalism and dedication.”

Additional information

Key advice:

  • If you have a minor health issue, please use your community pharmacy. They can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. 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 in Gloucestershire can access a local doctor led assessment service. 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.
  • If an ambulance has been arranged for you, please only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you wish to cancel the ambulance.
  • We are asking relatives and carers to do everything they can to work with us to get their 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, wear sensible footwear in icy conditions 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 it 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