The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is asking Islanders to only contact 999 in an emergency, after staff recently took calls about sunburn, insect bites and domestic flooding.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service received 528 emergency 999 calls last week – 24.5 per cent higher than in the same week in 2019 before the pandemic.
Call handlers reported taking some 999 calls for non-emergency issues such as sunburn, insect bites and domestic flooding.
St. Mary’s Hospital is encouraging the public, where appropriate, to use NHS 111 online for medical advice.
The NHS 111 online service offers people quick advice on the best option for them to get the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician, booking them an arrival time at A&E or providing advice on how to help them recover. The request comes as demand for emergency medical support continues to rise.
People are also being reminded to use NHS 111 first before turning up at the A&E department. NHS 111 can ensure people are directed to the right location for their care.
Victoria White, Head of Ambulance said:
“Our frontline ambulance crews, 999 and 111 call handlers and the many other teams who ensure we can respond to patients as quickly as possible are working extremely hard as we see continued increase demand for our services.
“We are prioritising those patients that are most sick and severely injured and everyone who needs an ambulance will get one, however there are other and often better options for people to get the care they need.
“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the public can play their part by using 111 online for urgent advice, calling 999 in life threatening cases and calling back only if their condition worsens.”
The public is still being encouraged to contact 999 if they experience:
- signs of a heart attack like a pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
- signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
- difficulty breathing
- heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- seizures or
- sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue.
A number of factors are thought to be contributing to the rise in demand for emergency care including the recent warmer weather, an increase in Covid-19 transmission rates in the community and an increase in the public spending time outside as restrictions ease.
Joe Smyth, Chief Operating Officer said:
“The pressures we are witnessing on our Ambulance Service impact the Emergency Department here at St. Mary’s Hospital. We are pleased to be able to provide the 111 service to our Island community, including the online support. It allows us to direct people to the most appropriate care setting for their treatment.
"You should continue to use 999 if you have a serious or life-threatening condition or accident. However, when you think you need A&E, use NHS 111 first. It may well save you a trip to the hospital, and if you do need to attend it is likely to reduce the time for you to be seen.”
People can access 111 online at: www.111.nhs.uk
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
New Online Cancer Support For Local Residents
Specialist Monitoring Equipment Now Installed At Leeson Road
West Wight Runner Jackie Follows PB Marathon Run With Eastenders Appearance
West Wight Pub Can Now Be Listed As 'Asset Of Community Value'
Royal Navy 'Bomb Squad' Called To Seaview Following Ordnance Alert
Automated Gates Arrive On Wightlink’s FastCat Foot Passenger Route
Help Keep Isle Of Wight Streets Neat – Bring Your Bin In
Two Passengers Injured Following Bus Crash In Ryde
Late Night Reports Of Collision Spark Extensive Land, Sea And Air Search
Islanders Taking On London Marathon Today For Local Charities
Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
