Trust declares critical incident – how you can help

Tuesday 20 December

Following several days of sustained and extreme pressure on our urgent and emergency care services, we have this afternoon declared a critical incident to support a series of immediate additional actions to protect patient safety.

Supported by our partners in the Worcestershire health and care system, we are taking additional steps to prioritise and maintain safe services for patients.

Our aim is to prioritise patients with the highest level of need and ensure that we continue to be able to manage emergency care.

Our teams are continuing to work exceptionally hard, but there are ways that you can help us to help you.

What you can do 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 (MIUs) – like the ones in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern, and Tenbury – can help If you require treatment for a minor injury, our Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer advice and treatment for a variety of minor injuries. For more information go to: hacw.nhs.uk/miu
• 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 – see details of your local pharmacy here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
• If you have concerns about Strep A, please see the latest guidance at www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
• For advice and guidance on support in a mental health crisis go to: www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk/
• We know that most patients want to return home as soon as possible, especially at this time of year. If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do so as early as possible. This will help our teams and free up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.