Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's health and care system has continued its 'critical incident' because of ongoing and increasing pressures on hospital services. That means some non-urgent operations, where patients require a stay in hospital, are being postponed so patients with the most urgent clinical need can be prioritised.
The 'critical incident' was first declared on Tuesday (July 26) evening because of unprecedented demand on NHS services across the city and county. And patients with the highest level of need will continue to be prioritised to ensure emergency care can be managed.
Services remain open through the weekend. Local NHS services are struggling because of significant numbers of Covid cases, a lack of capacity in the care sector and high numbers of patients arriving at hospitals needing treatment.
READ MORE: 'Critical incident' declared as Nottinghamshire NHS services face unprecedented pressures
A statement from the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "We regret that it has been necessary to take this step, but it is important that we focus on patients needing urgent and emergency care as a priority. If you are not contacted directly about an operation being postponed, please continue to attend your appointment as usual.
"Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard, and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the challenges faced and the changes highlighted, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if someone requires urgent medical help, they should continue to come forward."
The ICB has signposted a number of ways care can be received to place avoidable demand on ambulance services and emergency departments.
NHS 111 can tell you where to get help for your symptoms if you're not sure what to do, how to find general health information and advice, where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine and how to get a repeat prescription. You can also call NHS 111 to speak to a clinician and make bookings for urgent treatment centres and other services. The online and telephone services are available 24/7.
Urgent Treatment Centres treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds and other non-emergency conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than A&E. There are centres in Nottingham, Newark, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Ilkeston.
Anyone who is in mental health distress should call the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0808 196 3779 – the helpline is open 24 hours a day. Pharmacists can help with over-the-counter advice and medication; the NHS search can be used to find your nearest pharmacy. It is also important to make sure you stay hydrated and practice self-care which can be helped during summer by drinking plenty of water.
READ NEXT:
Nottingham hospitals boss to retire from under-pressure trust
Nurse admits 'delays' and 'gaps' in care of popular Nottinghamshire market trader before death
62 surprising new Long Covid symptoms including low sex drive and hair loss reported
Healthy Nottinghamshire nurse found out she had tuberculosis less than 24 hours before she died
Click here for the latest health news from Nottinghamshire Live
