Local NHS leaders' statement on NHS pressures
The Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, which is responsible for most local NHS services has highlighted the pressures within the local NHS. Saying that:
All parts of our system, including Primary and Secondary care [hospitals], NHS111 and the Ambulance Service, are currently under significant pressure due to a rise in demand for NHS services. Colleagues from across the system are doing everything possible to increase capacity and ensure that patients are able to access the care they need.
Our Accident and Emergency departments are seeing some of the greatest demand in their history as patients seek help for a wide range of illnesses and injuries.
It is reported that around 400 patients are in local hospitals with respiratory conditions (eg Covid and Flu) . This is around 25% total hosital beds. This is creating pressures around hospital admission, treatment and discharge and a risk to patients, staff, and an increase in staff sickness.
The local NHS has responded by canceling some planned operations and procedures; working to speed up hospital discharge; working to create more GP appointments
New paediatric hubs have opened in Coventry, Warwickshire North and South Warwickshire, with a further one set to open in Rugby.
What should local people do?
Local people are being asked to continue to support the NHS. To seek help where this is most appropriate, e.g.
- avoiding A&E unless it is a serious or life-threatening emergency
- using local pharmacies and NHS111 Online where appropriate.
How Healthwatch Coventry can help?
We are the local independent champion for patients and the public. We gather people's experience of health and care services, help people navigate services and to know how to raise concerns.
- Share your experience of a NHS and care service with us
- Contact our helpline if you have question or concern about your use of services
- Read our advice and information articles on this website.
The impact of the pressures in NHS and social care is very worrying for people at the moment. We all rely on access to health and care services when we or our loved ones need them. If you or a family member has had a recent experience of access issues, delays or of a service continuing to deliver, please share this with Healthwatch Coventry. We are the local independent organisation collating experiences and identifying issues.
