Statement from Mark Brandreth, Interim Accountable Officer, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin CCG

“We offer our sincere apologies to anyone impacted by the pressures facing our urgent care system right now across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. The delays caused by ambulances having to wait outside Emergency Departments are not acceptable and we are doing all we can to improve the situation. 

“It is important to acknowledge that this is a national issue. What we are seeing within our services is being replicated in health and care systems right across the country, with unprecedented demand for services. 

“Like all areas of the country, we are still having to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Right now, we have two wards full of covid patients within our hospitals. There is pressure on our health services in the community and within the social care sector. 

“There is no single quick and easy solution to this challenge, but we are working together as a health and care system to look at how we can reduce delays and ensure people get the right care in the right place at the right time.  

“We ask that everyone in our community plays their part in helping to ease the pressure on our urgent care services. This starts with thinking about whether you really need to go to A&E. You can get support with self-care via the NHS app and can also access expert advice and guidance via NHS111 online. Your local pharmacist will be able to advise you on many common conditions and provide over-the-counter medicines and treatments. And of course, you can also contact your GP. 

“It is also vital that people continue to be aware of the risks of covid, with prevalence in our community currently being extremely high. We encourage you to continue to wash your hands regularly, wear a mask in busy public spaces and to make sure you are getting your covid vaccine – including the booster jab if you are eligible. 

“We are coming into the winter period, which is traditionally the time when health services come under the most intense pressure. We all need to work together to protect and strengthen those services.”