Service plea ahead of Euros final weekend

Calls have continued to increase over the last month, reaching some of the highest levels of the year over the past three weekends – as high as the Trust would usually expect to see only on New Year’s Eve.

Last week alone, 999 health advisors took an average of 1600 calls a day – compared to an average of 1200 calls a day during the same period last year.

With people expected to be making the most of the finals weekend, NEAS has issued another appeal to the North East public to use services wisely, in order to avoid adding additional pressure to the service.

Darren Green, clinical service manager for North East Ambulance Service, said: “We are currently seeing sustained demand on both 999 and 111 services. This is demand that we would normally only see during peak times, such as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

“Although we are seeing increased pressures presented by England’s progression through the Euro competition, it’s not all down to that. We are seeing some very poorly patients, who need to be seen in hospital.

“We are very thankful for the efforts of our staff, who have been operating under very difficult circumstances throughout the last 18 months. They will be working as usual on Sunday, working incredibly hard to keep patients throughout the North East safe. Please be assured – if you need us, we will be there for you.

“However, in light of the current pressures we’re facing and ahead of this weekend in particular with England being in the final of the Euros, we would ask people to help us by remembering 999 is for emergencies only and accessing help elsewhere in non-emergency situations, such as your community pharmacy or 111 online.

“We hope football is coming home this weekend just as much as everyone else. We want you to enjoy it but please do so safely; please look after each other and only use the 999 and 111 services where absolutely necessary and appropriate to do so.”