South Yorkshire residents are advised to only call 999 or attend Accident and Emergency departments if a condition is a life-threatening emergency.

Health advice by Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire:

 

"The first days back after the Christmas break are always busy for NHS services but today has been beyond anything we have experienced before.

We are making an urgent plea to the public across South Yorkshire to only call 999 or attend Accident and Emergency departments if their condition is a life-threatening emergency.”

 

“Unprecedented levels of attendance at A&E, staff sickness and increased prevalence of flu and covid have led to very long waits in emergency departments and for ambulances. We urge the public to use alternative services to make use of NHS 111 online and phone services (111 online is for people aged 5 and over). Using NHS 111 online, contacting your GP, or attending your local pharmacist will mean you get treatment much sooner.  GP practices and pharmacies are open as normal between Christmas and New Year.”

 

“Our discharge teams are working extremely hard with patients and families to make sure the transition to home is safe and with the right support in place. You can help by being on hand to collect your loved ones as soon as they’re well enough to return. Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they’re ready to be discharged also helps to free up beds for those who need them.”

 

“As we head into the New Year we also urge anyone experiencing flu or COVID-like symptoms to isolate, so that you do not pass on your infection to others. Both can be serious illnesses, so please take the necessary precautions to protect your loved ones, particularly those who are vulnerable, including getting your vaccines if you are eligible.”