By Maeve Cullinan
As Christmas fast approaches, many of us are settling down, logging off, wrapping up, and enjoying time with family and friends.
But for the NHS, Christmas is no time to relax – with a huge demand for care, the festive period is no exception to the hard work NHS staff deliver all year round.
Doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners and many other crucial employees at St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier hospitals will be working hard to care for the thousands of patients that walk through their doors each day over the festive period.
Over the past year, the teams across the South-west London and Surrey hospitals have delivered more than 7,600 babies, served more than half a million patient meals, performed an x-ray every 89 seconds and carried out 200 kidney transplants.
People are encouraged to take active steps this winter to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the NHS.
This includes booking flu and Covid vaccines, staying sensible and hydrated whilst enjoying a Christmas tipple, and ensuring all services are used appropriately.
Jacqueline Totterdell, group Chief Executive at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, said: “Our incredible staff are under unprecedented pressure, and that is not letting up. Please take these small steps to help them – and also join me in taking a moment to recognise the amazing work they do, day in and day out.”
If you need non-emergency care this Christmas, have a look at the information below:
- If you have an urgent healthcare need but it isn’t an emergency, contact NHS 111online as your first port of call, as this service can quickly advise you where to go and what to do next.
- Local pharmaciescan also provide advice on minor health concerns from skin rashes to earaches and flu. Many pharmacies open late and no appointment is needed. Find your nearest pharmacy here.
- You can find more information and book your flu and Covid vaccines here.
Pictured top: Intensive Care Unit staff, from left, Justine Zerna, Rachel Harvey, Marife Estrada, Cristina Ciuffreda, Jen Tulloch and Dragos Macariu (Picture: Anthea Allen)
Related Stories
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiWWh0dHBzOi8vbG9uZG9ubmV3c29ubGluZS5jby51ay9zcGFyZS1hLXRob3VnaHQtZm9yLWFtYXppbmctaG9zcGl0YWwtc3RhZmYtdGhpcy1jaHJpc3RtYXMv0gEA?oc=5
