A critical incident covering the whole Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS system remains in place after being declared several days ago with several pieces of advice offered by healthcare professionals on what to do in different situations
A critical incident covering the whole Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS system remains in place today (Friday, January 5, 2024) and will continue through the weekend.
The critical incident was declared by NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire on January 3, in response to the high number of people needing care combined with a reduction in staffing levels.
"This combination has led to very long waits in our A&E departments and for admission to our wards," said a spokesman from the NHS.
"Declaring a critical incident has enabled NHS organisations in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to work even closer together by sharing resources, spreading demand more evenly and appropriately across different services, and closer collaboration with social care colleagues to speed up discharges.
"As a result of these actions, the position has been stabilised over the last 48 hours, but significant pressure remains as the trust enters the weekend.
"The hard work by NHS, social care, and partner staff has contributed hugely to this improved position but they added that they needed to redouble efforts during what is expected to be a pressing weekend ahead.
"We are grateful for your support, understanding and for continuing to follow advice to only attend A&E if you have a life-threatening illness or injury that cannot be treated elsewhere."
A wide range of alternative services are available this weekend:
Pharmacies
Many pharmacies are open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Pharmacies can offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings, and allergies.
Many pharmacies are offering additional services for common conditions including urinary tract infections, middle ear infections in young children, skin infections including impetigo, infected eczema, and infected insect bites.
Contact NHS 111
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit NHS 111 online or dial 111 from any phone.
A trained operator will make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.
They can book people an appointment at an out-of-hours GP or their nearest urgent treatment centre.
Self-help
Many conditions can be treated at home with rest and/or over-the-counter medicines.
The NHS website has information on a huge range of conditions, with advice on how and where to best treat.
Read up on children’s illnesses
"If you are concerned about a symptom your child has then we have developed web pages to provide you with consistent and high-quality advice from local health professionals," said the NHS spokesman.
"We have information about common childhood illnesses, including advice on what ‘red-flag’ signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, and how long your child’s symptoms are likely to last."
You can access these pages on our website.
Know where to find your nearest urgent treatment centre
Urgent Treatment Centres are open every day, including weekends. Urgent treatment centres provide medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency.
They can diagnose and deal with many of the common problems people go to A&E for.
There are two urgent treatment centres:
• Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Treatment Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-7pm. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
• Newark – Newark Hospital is open 9am-10pm (last patient seen at 9.30pm). Address: Boundary Road, Newark NG24 4DE
Know how to contact an out of hours GPs over the weekend
Contact 111 to see an out-of-hours GP.
Support your relatives to get home from the hospital
People can continue to help the NHS by supporting relatives to return home from hospital when they are medically fit.
"Help with practical arrangements like transport, making sure they have a key, that there is food and drink at home will be of assistance," said the NHS spokesman.
"Ensuring that they have medication and any equipment they need to aid their recovery can make a huge difference."
Stay safe during flooding
"It’s a good idea to check flood alerts and warnings in place for your area. You can also sign up to get alerts sent to you via text message," added the NHS spokesman.
"If you live in an area at risk of flooding, consider whether you need to travel and only do so if necessary.
"You can find some useful information about preparing and dealing with floods on the Nottinghamshire County Council website."
Access mental health support
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have a mental health crisis line which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages.
Call 0808 196 3779.
Covid and flu vaccinations
"Covid, flu and other winter viruses are circulating at the moment," said the NHS spokesman.
"Make sure you are protected from winter illnesses by getting your COVID and flu vaccinations if you are eligible.
"You can get your vaccinations from a pharmacy.
"Find out which pharmacies are offering vaccinations on the
Only use A&E and 999 in emergencies
Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and genuine emergencies.
