Health and care services move to highest response level as pressures on services continue
Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are urging people to use the right NHS service for their needs. The call comes after sustained high numbers of attendances at urgent and emergency care services pushed local services into their highest escalation level – OPEL 4.
Local people can help to reduce pressure by using the most appropriate NHS service for their needs and helping loved ones in hospital to return home as soon as they are fit for discharge.
GP practices, minor injuries units, pharmacies and NHS111 are all open and available to help with non-emergency conditions.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Our local services are under immense pressure, with sustained high levels of demand in our A&E departments.
“While local partners continue to work closely together to manage the demand, we are calling on local people to support us too.
“If you think you need help urgently but aren’t sure where to go, please contact NHS 111 online, or by phone, to be connected with the right service for your needs.
“If you have children, consider downloading the HANDi App to receive specialist advice on supporting children with diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, head injuries and more.
“We’re also seeing a rise in cases of winter respiratory conditions, such as flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Covid-19. Please practice good hygiene to prevent these viruses from spreading and don’t visit loved ones at local hospitals if you are experiencing any symptoms.”
Symptoms of winter respiratory conditions vary. Flu symptoms develop rapidly with symptoms that include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time. COVID and RSV symptoms range and can be mild like a cold but can also be more severe and include fever. Find out more at nhs.uk.
Alternatives to A&E
NHS 111 is for people who urgently need medical help or advice, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed online or by phone. The service can book an appointment for patients to see a GP out of hours if clinically appropriate. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Minor injuries units and urgent care centres are available at South Bristol Community Hospital, Clevedon and Yate offering treatment of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and broken bones, without a trip to A&E. More information is available on the Sirona care & health website.
Pharmacists provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions and will be able to help you decide if you need to see a GP or other health service if necessary. Pharmacists can also now supply some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP. The new Pharmacy First service offers treatment for seven common conditions including sinusitis, sore throats, acute earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
HANDi App gives parent and carers expert guidance on a range of childhood illnesses including diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, tummy pain, chestiness and common problems experienced by newborn babies. In the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area, there is also advice and guidance on head injuries.
The easy-to-use app takes parents through a series of questions about the symptoms their child is experiencing and then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, to make a GP appointment, call NHS 111 or call 999.
The HANDi App is available to download for Apple phones from the app store and for Android phones at Google Play.