Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are urging local people to use the right NHS service for their needs following increased pressure on local hospitals and emergency care services.
The BNSSG health and care system is operating at its highest escalation level due to high demand on local hospitals, and an increase in norovirus and Covid cases.
Health and care partners are working closely together to manage demand and maintain safe and effective care for local people, but the public is also being urged to ‘choose wisely’ and to contact NHS 111 or help with urgent, but non-emergency, care needs.
People are also asked to help prevent the spread of norovirus and respiratory conditions by avoiding health and care settings if they have symptoms, and by following basic hand hygiene guidance.
David Jarrett, Chief Delivery Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board said: “We are experiencing increasing pressure right across our health and care system and the increased prevalence of norovirus and respiratory conditions is adding to this by affecting our hospital capacity.
“We are taking urgent steps to restore capacity to local hospitals and ensure that patients continue to receive safe and effective care, and we’re grateful to staff across the system who are working very hard to maintain services at a very challenging time.
“Members of the public can help, by using the right NHS services for their needs, and by contacting NHS 111 online or by phone for support with urgent but non-emergency conditions.
“We also urge people to help stop the spread of norovirus and other conditions by avoiding health and care settings if you have symptoms.
“Finally, if you have loved ones in hospital please help them to return home as soon as they are ready for discharge.”
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day providing immediate advice and directing people to the best service for their needs.
Local minor injury units and urgent treatment centres, and community pharmacies, are also available including on evenings and weekends.
Which service to use
NHS 111 is for people who urgently need medical help or advice, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed online or by phone. The service can book an appointment for patients to see a GP out of hours if clinically appropriate. Visit 111.nhs.uk/ or call 111.
Minor injuries units and urgent care centres are available at South Bristol Community Hospital, Clevedon and Yate offering treatment of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and broken bones, without a trip to A&E. More information is available on the Sirona care & health website.
Pharmacists provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions and will be able to help you decide if you need to see a GP or other health service if necessary. Pharmacists can also now supply some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP.
The new Pharmacy First service means pharmacists can also supply prescription-only medication, without requiring a GP appointment first, for common conditions including sinusitis, sore throats, acute earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.