THE PUBLIC is being urged to use NHS services wisely this winter after the region reaches a “higher demand than ever”.
Emergency departments, general practices and NHS services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire said they are already feeling the pressure, especially with the rise in cases of Strep A, flu and Covid still affecting the community.
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “We are hearing reports of staff being treated rudely, verbally abused and shouted at on the phone or across counters, and this is not acceptable.
“With more and more people seeking help, it might take longer to get through to your GP surgery or to access other services and we ask people to be patient and kind to our staff who are all working under extreme pressure to get you the help you need.”
There is also a call for more people to consider using alternatives to emergency departments where possible.
Dr Taylor adds: “Our emergency departments are under extreme pressure, and we ask that people only use them for life-threatening emergencies and to use other alternatives if seeking advice.”
People are also reminded to think NHS 111 first, this means visiting their website or using the NHS App for any urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
Visit 111.nhs.uk for more information.
Are you on Facebook?
Like or follow our Facebook page – facebook.com/EveshamObs to get daily news updates straight to your news feed.