BRITS heading away for the weekend this New Year have been urged to bring their own medication and first aid supplies.
The warning comes as hospitals across England have declared critical incidents, just days before New Year's Eve celebrations across the country.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has asked those visiting the area to make sure they have everything they need before starting their journey.
It said: "Heading to #Cornwall this #NewYear? Just in case, be wise and bring these three self-care kings! Pain relief, flu and cold remedy and rehydration powders. And don't forget to pack any prescription medicines, too. #HelpUsHelpYou".
The trust attached an image detailing what people should have in a first aid kit, including bandages, dressings, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic and medical tape.
It also urged people to only call 999 or use the emergency department for life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
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One medic, in neighbouring Devon, said emergency departments are currently under 'immense pressure'.
Adrian Harris, the chief medical officer of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS foundation trust said: "I’m asking all of the public to think very carefully before attending, to think about using 111 either online or on a telephone, to think about going to their pharmacy, and when necessary contacting their general practitioner.
“We are very, very busy, so please don’t attend unless absolutely necessary. If you’re in doubt and you think you need help, please come and see us. We’re open but we are very, very busy.”
The South West Ambulance Service, which covers the region, declared a critical incident due to being under “extreme pressure”.
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Meanwhile Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in Hampshire was among several to declare a critical incident yesterday — saying services were really stretched.
A doctor who has worked in the NHS for more than 20 years called the crisis a “national emergency”.
He said the pressure on the service is “much worse than Covid” and “beyond anything we can safely look after”.
He explained: “We’ve got patients being looked after in corridors, patients in the corridors of each ward as well.
“The main issue is there are delays when people need to go into a ward — you can wait up to two days for a bed.”
He said one of the worst things he had seen recently was 36 people being treated in one corridor.
And in a swipe at politicians, he added: “There’s not been enough investment in emergency care and GP surgeries. We’ve not invested in social care and primary care.”
NHS trusts in Nottinghamshire, Kent, Gloucestershire, Surrey and Sussex also announced critical incidents.
The “status” allows trusts to take steps such as seeking help from other services, diverting more staff to the front line and sending patients to nearby hospitals.
Last week Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive at NHS Providers, said they feared a rebound effect after strikes by paramedics and nurses — as people delayed going to hospital until after Christmas.
She said: “We’re really worried about the pent-up demand.”
An NHS spokesperson said despite the pressures, staff are still working incredibly hard.
“It’s vital that people continue to come forward for care when they need it by using 999 and A&E in a life-threatening emergency and 111 online for other health conditions.”
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