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‘Business as usual’ for Sherwood Forest hospitals as Nottinghamshire patients urged to choose NHS services wisely during extreme heat




Patients are being asked to think carefully about which NHS services they will need as demand is expected to increase with temperatures continuing to climb over the coming days.

Periods of warmer weather can lead to more patients attending hospital for treatment for conditions such as; dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn and sunstroke – many of which can easily be prevented.

Despite the recent unprecedented Met Office red weather warning of extreme heat across the East Midlands throughout Monday and Tuesday, the trust that runs King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community Hospitals insists it will be ‘business as usual’.

Dr David Selwyn, Medial Director for Sherwood Forest Hospitals (58038252)
Dr David Selwyn, Medial Director for Sherwood Forest Hospitals (58038252)

Dr David Selwyn, the Medial Director for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “Our hardworking NHS colleagues are continuing to work around the clock – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to keep vital services running for patients and this week will be no different, despite the soaring temperatures.

“Prevention is often the best way to avoid people becoming unwell and there are simple things we can all do to help stay healthy when it is extremely warm, like drinking plenty of water, applying sunscreen, avoiding excess alcohol, avoiding unsupervised open water swimming and looking out for those who are unable to keep themselves cool and hydrated, particularly if they have a health condition.

People seeking non-emergency medical treatment are advised to visit nhs.uk or call NHS111 in order to help keep hospitals clear for those that most need them.

A warning for extreme heat has been issued for the region. (58034651)
A warning for extreme heat has been issued for the region. (58034651)

The vast majority of non-urgent appointments at the trust will go-ahead as planned this week and those who have not been contacted should assume that their appointment will go-ahead as planned. Those patients are asked not to call the Trust unless they need to rearrange, in order to free-up call handlers to help other patients.

A small number of the most vulnerable patients who are most at-risk of becoming seriously unwell in the extreme heat have already been contacted to rearrange their appointments for their own safety.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (57293281)
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (57293281)

Any patient who is not comfortable or confident travelling to their appointment in the extreme heat is being asked to call the Trust’s booking line using the information provided on their appointment letter to rearrange, if they wish.

“Our message to patients who are due to attend our hospitals for an appointment over the coming days is clear,” said Dr Selwyn. “Your NHS is here for you, but please don’t call us to check if your appointment is going ahead – we will call you if there is a problem.”

Further information on how to cope in hot weather can be found on the NHS website.



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