Health and care services across north Cumbria are currently under extreme pressure. The public are asked to support by using NHS services wisely and being kind to those who are trying their best in incredibly difficult circumstances.

NHS services in Cumbria are under extreme pressure at the moment. A&E services are seeing unprecedented numbers of patients on a daily basis. As we always will, we are prioritising the most sick people first so those who are not in that category will wait far longer than we would like.

Alongside this GP services are seeing more patients than normal and pressures in social care mean that patients are waiting longer for care packages, meaning they are staying in hospital longer than they need to.

As a health and care system we are working together to do everything we can to keep services going and give our patients the help and support they need. “

Cumbria is not alone, the pressure is reflected in other areas of the country.

People in Cumbria are renowned for their willingness to support each other and I appeal to everyone to do their bit where they can to help us.

Please:

  • Use the service most suitable for your needs; consider pharmacy and 111 online first.
  • Be kind to our staff – this is exceptionally difficult for us too.
  • Be patient and consider the support you can give us to help loved ones come home.

We cannot stress enough how important it is that the public help us by using the right service and by knowing the steps you can make to keep yourself safe.

The NHS is made up of a range of services and it’s important that you choose the right service for your needs.

  • 111 – this service provides 24 hour advice on any healthcare need
  • Pharmacy – think pharmacy first where there are trained professionals who can prescribe medicines and give advice
  • GP – for ongoing or persistent medical issues
  • Minor injuries and Urgent Treatment centres – for urgent but not life-threatening issues.
  • A&E – for life-threatening and serious emergencies only

More advice on which service is best for you is available here: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/locations/choosing-right-place-go-emergency