Media Release
Date: 31 December 2020
Think NHS 111 first this New Year weekend
Staff at Bath's Royal United Hospital (RUH) are asking people to contact NHS 111 first if they need medical attention over the coming New Year weekend.
The RUH remains very busy, treating both COVID and non-COVID patients, while attendances at its Accident and Emergency department continue to be high.
Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said: "As we go into the long weekend, we would ask people with an urgent medical problem, who are thinking about coming to our Emergency Department, to contact NHS 111 first.
"Experienced 111 clinicians will assess your needs over the phone and direct you to the most appropriate local service, potentially avoiding an unnecessary trip to hospital."
People with very serious or life-threatening health conditions, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness, should still continue to phone 999. Those who arrive at A&E without having first contacted NHS 111 will not be turned away, but may be asked to wait or be signposted to a more appropriate local healthcare service.
Cara added: "With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise in the local community, and with B&NES and Wiltshire now in Tier 3, we would ask people to make sure they continue to follow the hands, face, space advice and help to reduce pressure on the NHS.
"We are all hoping for a brighter, healthier 2021, but if you are planning on seeing in the New Year with loved ones, please make sure you do it safely at home, and avoid any large gatherings."