High numbers of Covid cases and a surge in demand for health and care services across Somerset is putting the NHS in our area under “extreme pressure.”
The NHS in Somerset said last night that pressures are being seen across the system due to high demand for services, sustained demand for Covid beds, pressure on staffing and the need for social care exceeding the available capacity.
Mental health care, primary care (GPs) and adult social care as well as acute hospital trusts are all struggling to meet demand, says the NHS as it faces “unprecedented challenges.”
Residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area are being asked by the NHS for their continuing support in accessing health services wisely, as the pandemic continues.
The NHS is asking people to be patient and choose the right care by getting the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time:
- If you’re unwell and are unsure about where to go, visit nhs.uk
- Or call NHS 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do.
- At this very busy time, your 111 call may take a little longer to answer than usual but staff will get to you as quickly as possible.
- For ongoing or non-urgent concerns please contact your local pharmacist or GP practice.
- Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
James Rimmer, Chief Executive at Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, says: “Demand for services such as GP appointments and treatment in emergency departments has risen substantially, we’re facing more challenges in discharging people home from hospital and patients are facing increasingly lengthy waits for treatment.”
“A combination of increasing numbers of coronavirus cases, staff absences coupled with a surge in people wanting same-day urgent and emergency care, has resulted in hospitals, GP services and the ambulance service experiencing increased demand on their services.”
“Our priorities are always those patients with the most urgent need. Calling 999 or visiting an emergency department for anything less than a genuine, life-threatening emergency takes already-stretched healthcare workers away from their sickest patients, who are most in need of urgent medical care.”
“If people have minor ailments they can get advice from nhs.uk and the local pharmacy. Pharmacists are experts on medicines, are very knowledgeable and can advise on whether another NHS service is required. If a person’s illness does not go away after a few days or is getting worse, then they should contact their GP surgery.”
“We’d like to thank people for their support. We’d also like to thank our hard-working teams who are working incredibly hard to care for those in need.”
Cllr David Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Somerset County Council adds: “We’d like to thank everyone for their help and support in these continuing challenging times for both health and social care. We’re asking families to work with us and our NHS colleagues and help get their loved one home from hospital as soon as they are safely able to do so.”
“We’re also asking anyone who feels they are receiving care at home they no longer need, and only that they no longer need, to contact their care provider or Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224. Staff will then review their care needs with them. This further supports us in allocating care support to those most in need in these high demand times.”
To find out which service is most relevant for your needs please take a look at our choose well webpage. Choosing the right service will ensure you receive the best possible treatment, allowing busy services like hospital Emergency Departments (A&E) to concentrate on helping those most in need.
