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Winter Pressure Mounts: Choose NHS Wisely
18 Oct
Summary
- NHS faces increased winter pressure on emergency care services.
- Last September was the busiest on record for A&E services.
- Patients urged to use the most appropriate NHS service for needs.
Hospitals are preparing for significant pressure on emergency services as winter approaches. NHS Surrey and Sussex has issued an autumn alert, advising the public to be aware of available services and how to access help, especially with school holidays ongoing.
Demand on emergency departments has remained consistently high. England's A&E services experienced their busiest September ever, recording 2.44 million visits. Professor Andrew Rhodes, joint chief medical officer for NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board, stressed that while 999 and A&E are crucial for life-threatening emergencies, other NHS options are available.
He highlighted that A&E may not always provide the most suitable care. Numerous community-based NHS support services exist, and choosing the right one can lead to quicker, more appropriate help without necessitating an emergency department visit. With high demand already impacting services, the public is asked to help by selecting the service that best matches their specific healthcare need.
