Hospital Emergency Departments extremely busy

12/01/2022

People asked to help by ensuring they choose the right NHS service

High levels of demand and staff absences have been causing problems in the emergency departments at both the Horton General in Banbury and the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford.

Yesterday afternoon the Oxford University Hospitals Trust issued a message asking people to help them by choosing the right NHS service.   They highlighted that their Emergency Departments are for genuine emergencies such as heavy bleeding, blacking out, chest pain, or strokes. 

The Trust has confirmed to Banbury FM they continue to be very busy today (January 12).

Anyone who was unsure where to get help should contact the 111 online service.

Sara Randall, the Trust’s Chief Operational Officer, said: “Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward.”

The Trust has asked families to help get their loved ones home where possible.   Difficulties in discharging medically-fit patients from hospital can lead to further bed shortages and lengthy ambulance waits at the ‘front door’ of Emergency Departments.

Lily O’Connor, Director for Urgent Care in Oxfordshire, said: “If you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home, but is waiting to be discharged with home care and community health support, one of the best ways to support both them and us is to help at them home if you and your family are in a position to support them.

“We are working hard with our social care colleagues to try and get as many of our patients home safely from hospital as soon as possible. Priority is being given to our most vulnerable patients, and alternative health and care packages such as transferring patients to interim beds are being offered as a short-term measure.

“We will always support people to get home with appropriate care packages if needed – there is criteria in place to make sure care is given to the right people.”


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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