Critical Incident Stood Down by Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Health and Care System

The Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Health and Care System has stood down the critical incident that was called on the 12th August.

Local health and care providers responded to the critical incident by taking swift, extraordinary actions, which resulted in a significant reduction in pressure.

Through system working there has been an improvement in waiting times for ambulances, hospital bed admissions and discharge but staff at the front line remain under significant pressure in their efforts to provide safe care.

Services remain under sustained pressure, and patients and members of the public will continue to be asked to use services wisely to ensure those patients with the greatest need can access care and support.

We are grateful to everyone who has taken steps to help relieve the pressure, and we would like to thank our incredible teams across the health and social care sector for their efforts in keeping the public safe.

Health and care services continue to work together to manage the pressure, and there remain a range of steps everyone can take to help:

· Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and for genuine emergencies.

· When you need urgent medical care but it’s not an emergency, please visit NHS 111 online or call NHS111 for advice on how to get the care you need at any time of day or night.

· Minor Injury Units – if your injury is not serious, you can get help from a minor injury unit (MIU), rather than going to an A&E department. This will allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will save you a potentially long wait. There are four MIUs in the county located at Bridgnorth Community Hospital, Ludlow Community Hospital, Oswestry health Centre and Whitchurch Community Hospital. For more information visit Community hospitals and health centres in Shropshire.

· Urgent care centres – at both the Princess Royal Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital – these centres can help provide assessments and treatment if you need help with a health problem that is urgent, but not life-threatening. The centres offer appointments that can be booked through 111

or through a GP referral and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend A&E for. They help ease the pressure on hospitals, leaving other parts of the system free to treat the most serious cases. There is also a walk-in service and is open 365 days a year 9am to 9pm. No appointment needed.

· Urgent mental health support is available 24/7 on the Mental Health Crisis Helpline: 0808 196 4501.

· For other non-urgent cases, when you need medical advice and it’s not an emergency, please speak to your GP practice or a pharmacist.

· Pharmacists are experts in medicine who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need and can signpost you to see a GP or other healthcare professional. Find a pharmacy near you: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

· Please continue to treat all NHS and care staff with the respect they deserve. Our hard-working staff and volunteers are doing all they can to keep patients safe and supported.

· If you cannot make any NHS appointment, please contact the number on your appointment letter so that it can be reallocated to another patient.

· It is also important to make sure you stay hydrated and practice self-care as we know that the warmer weather can result in many illnesses which can be avoided by drinking water.

· Make sure you wash your hands and wear a mask when visiting health care settings in order to protect the public and our own staff from Covid-19.

· If you are eligible and have not already, please make sure you have had all of your Covid-19 vaccinations. Find out more at nhs.uk/covidvaccine.