The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, is urging us all to be extra wary about using their services this Bank Holiday weekend.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, is urging us all to be extra wary about using their services this Bank Holiday weekend.
That's as they expect it to be a busy Easter Bank Holiday, thanks to added demand and staff illnesses.
The service say they're expecting more than 10,000 calls and is reminding people to seek help and advice from NHS 111 if they are not experiencing a medical emergency.
We're also being urged to look after each other over the Bank Holiday, with the public asked to check on any vulnerable family or friends to make sure they are safe and have everything they need.
Trust staff will be working hard across the weekend to respond to everyone who needs help, while prioritising its most seriously ill and injured patients.
The service's Medical Director, Dr Fionna Moore, said: “Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for the ambulance service and this four-day weekend comes at a time when there is already high pressure on our service.
“We know that this weekend will be challenging due to continuing high demand and pressure on our resources including covid-related staff absences.
“Our staff in our Emergency Operations Centres, crews out on the road and teams of volunteer community first responders will be working hard to get everyone who needs us the help they require. We urge anyone who is not facing a life-threatening or serious situation to make use of alternatives including visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
“We also want to remind people that while covid restrictions have lifted, there are still high numbers of people becoming infected. If people are meeting, it’s a really good idea to make use of the expected fine weather this weekend and either meet outside or let plenty of fresh air circulate inside through open windows.
“Finally, I would like wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and thank all our staff and volunteers and also our colleagues across the NHS and fellow blue light services for their hard work serving our communities throughout the weekend.”
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