Flintshire urged to use NHS 111 Wales as Bank Holiday weekend approaches
The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust is asking people in Flintshire to think before dialling 999 this Bank Holiday weekend, after calls to NHS 111 Wales rose by 24% over the same weekend last year.
The trust said it expects another increase in demand over the three-day weekend, with the Bank Holiday Monday falling on 25 May.
Sonia Thompson, Assistant Director Emergency Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said:
“We traditionally see an increase in demand over a Bank Holiday weekend, and this weekend is expected to be no different.”
She said people travelling, socialising or visiting family needed to know where to turn if they became unwell or were injured.
“With more people out and about, socialising or travelling to visit family and friends, it’s important that they know how to access the most appropriate help should they become ill or get an injury,” she said.
GP surgeries will be closed across Flintshire from Saturday until Tuesday morning, leaving NHS 111 Wales, local pharmacies and Minor Injury Units as the alternatives to 999 for non-emergency care.
The Met Office expects warmer weather across the UK over the weekend, with heatwave criteria possible in parts of the country, and is asking people to check conditions before heading to the coast.
The A55 is the main route from Flintshire to the north Wales beaches at Talacre, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Llanddulas, all of which are expected to be busy.
Holly Clements, Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance, said:
“Warm weather on a Bank Holiday draws people outside, but the weather at the coast can change quickly, and conditions like tides, waves and wind can all affect safety at the beach.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution said its lifeguards helped more than 36,000 people across UK beaches last year, a figure that more than doubled compared with the previous year.
The RNLI figure covers the whole of the UK and is not broken down by region.
Samantha Hughes, RNLI Water Safety Partner, said anyone struggling in the water should follow the charity’s Float to Live guidance:
“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember Float to Live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing and wait for help to arrive or before moving to safety. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service is asking people to stock up on prescription medications before the weekend, keep a basic first aid kit at home, and consider local pharmacies for advice on minor ailments.
Ms Thompson said:
“Remember that 999 should not be used for minor conditions so if you do need medical help or want reassurance, the NHS 111 Wales website should be your first port of call for advice, information and next steps.”
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