Use health and care services wisely during the New Year weekend

Health and care services in Herefordshire are preparing for a busy weekend and are asking people to look after themselves and their neighbours over the New Year holiday weekend.

Jon Barnes, Chief Operating Officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust said: “As we move into the New Year holiday weekend and into next week, people are reminded that our A&E department is under extreme pressure during this time of year. 

“Staff across all services, health, ambulance, and local authority are working extremely hard to cope with the demand. 

“We recognise that there will potentially be long waits at our A&E department in order to treat those most in need, and we urge people to contact their GP practice during opening hours or use 111 or go to a local pharmacy if they are unwell but it’s not an emergency.” 

Dr Ian Tait, GP and Clinical Chair at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “All partners are working together to ensure people are cared for appropriately. 

“We know there is huge pressure on ambulance services, A&E, primary care (GPs) and social care, so we are also reminding people to use services considerately during this extremely busy time.”