Nottingham and Nottinghamshire health and care system is still under pressure – here’s how you can help

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire health and care system continues to face pressures with GPs and hospitals continuing to see high numbers of patients.

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

Here’s how you can help

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

• If you are unsure where you should go, NHS 111 can help – search online for “NHS 111” or dial 111 from any phone. This will make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.

• Urgent Treatment Centres treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds and other non-emergency conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than A&E. We have UTCs at:
  
  – Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-7pm. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
  
  – Newark – Newark Hospital is open 9am-10pm (last patient admitted at 9.30pm). It can be found on Boundary Road, NG24 4DE
  
  – Ilkeston Community Hospital – is open 8am – 8pm. It can be found on Heanor Road , Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8LN. You can book into this service via 111.

• Use the NHS App for access to a wide range of services and information, such as accessing medical records, booking and managing appointments, reviewing medication and ordering prescriptions as well as checking symptoms.

• Flu and Covid-19 are currently circulating in the community, so stay at home if you have symptoms and get your jabs if you are eligible. More details about how to get your flu and Covid-19 jab can be found here – Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)and here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/

• Members of the public can also help ease pressures by using their local pharmacy. Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments.

• Anyone who is in mental health distress should call the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0808 196 3779 – the helpline is open 24 hours a day.

• We know that most patients want to return home as soon as possible if they are in hospital. 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.

Support loved ones who are ready to leave hospital by doing six simple things:

• Bring clothes for leaving hospital

• Arrange access to their home or place they call home and to check on heating and food

• Check transport arrangements

• Ensure they have any dressings or equipment they need

• Confirm any follow up appointments

• Check for valuables and belongings when leaving.