NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has thanked the great majority of local people for keeping A&E clear for serious injuries and life threatening situations at a time of great pressure.

The news comes as figures show that the number of A&E attendances in Gloucestershire for minor illness and injury over spring and summer this year are below 2019 levels.

Clinical Chair at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Andy Seymour said:

“We really would like to thank members of the public who on the whole are choosing well and keep emergency hospital services clear for serious injuries and life threatening conditions.

This is proving vital as hospital services remain under real pressure treating acutely unwell patients who need a stay in hospital. Staff in the two A&E departments and on the wards are continuing to do a fantastic job as they work with COVID-19 precautions and measures in place.

With support from patients, the Hospitals Trust is also making very good progress in cancer services and with the recovery challenge of reducing planned care waiting lists.

It’s important to make the point that other services, including GP surgeries, also remain under real pressure and practices have seen a significant rise in the numbers of people seeking help.

If people have minor ailments they can get advice from nhs.uk and the local pharmacy is a great first port of call. Pharmacists are experts on medicines, are very knowledgeable and can advise on whether another NHS service is required. Also many pharmacies on the high street and in supermarkets have extended opening hours.

If a person’s illness does not go away after a few days or is getting worse, then they should contact their GP surgery.”

Local NHS leaders are continuing to urge local people to get the right advice and consider carefully the range of healthcare options available. This will ensure they get the most appropriate care to meet their needs and also help the NHS.

The local ASAP Glos NHS App and website and 111.nhs.uk can signpost people to the right care for them, including pharmacies and community minor injury and illness units.

The 111 phone service can also provide expert advice and book people into local NHS services if needed. Where possible, the NHS is asking people to click or call first.