Health leaders call for people to take a sensible approach to the easing of the lockdown restrictions this weekend as NHS services anticipate a busy time ahead.
Health leaders at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical
Commissioning Group have asked the public not to throw away the recent progress
made in tackling coronavirus by becoming complacent on the first weekend of
reduced lockdown restrictions.
The appeal for a calm and sensible approach to the easing of lockdown comes
ahead of what is expected to be a busy weekend for local urgent and emergency
care services, many of which are anticipating a rise in alcohol-related activity
following the reopening of pubs.
And with capacity at the region’s hospitals reduced to allow for social
distancing, and staff having to provide care while wearing full personal protective
equipment, a rise in potentially avoidable attendances could delay care and
treatment for those in genuine need.
Separately, a return to pre-lockdown behaviours, such as overlooking the rules that
are still in place around social distancing, could lead to a spike in new coronavirus
infections.
Tracey Cox, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire
CCG, said: “This is not about spoiling the party for people who have been stuck
inside for so long, but about urging people to continue being mindful of the situation
we are still very much in.
“Yes, the number of coronavirus cases in our region has thankfully remained low in
recent weeks, but that has not come about by chance, but by us all working together
and staying alert to the risks around us.
“Nobody wants to see a return to where we were in March and April, not least the
thousands of health and care staff in our region who have seen first-hand just how
destructive and relentless this virus can be.”
Dr Stephen Haig, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Associate Medical
Director, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are working in a
different way now to maintain social distancing and reduce the risk of infection, so
we really want to avoid crowded emergency departments.
“By drinking so much alcohol that you need emergency care, you are potentially
taking NHS resources away from other patients who are very sick.
“Please look after yourself and remember the NHS staff you’ve been clapping for”.
As has been the case throughout the entire lockdown period, emergency care
services across the region will be open for those who need urgent help this
weekend.
This includes the emergency department at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and the NHS 111 online, which is available 24/7 at www.111.nhs.uk.
Some pharmacies will too be open this weekend for people needing help with minor
injury and illness, and those looking for information on medicines and repeat
prescriptions.
More information on local healthcare services, as well as detailed information on
what to do when displaying symptoms of coronavirus, can be found online at
www.bswccg.nhs.uk
