An open letter to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire from your local NHS

We have joined partners across the local NHS in sharing this open letter to the communities of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire:

Here is that letter in full:

"Your local NHS is under the most strain we have ever seen – that’s why we need your help to avoid local services from being overwhelmed this New Year.

"The best thing everyone can do to help is to keep physically and mentally well. That will help to avoid you and your loved ones needing hospital care in the first place.

"Please also enjoy New Year responsibly – no-one wants to spend New Year in hospital!

"If you do need to come to an Emergency Department, please expect a long wait to be seen.

"Before coming to hospital, please remember that urgent care centres, pharmacies and NHS111 are all here to help when you need them. You can also find great advice by searching ‘NHS111’ online.

"Thank you for your continued support"

Rosa Waddingham
Chief Nurse, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

Phil Bolton,
Chief Nurse, Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Michelle Rhodes,
Chief Nurse, Nottingham University Hospitals

Ifti Majid,
Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Healthcare

Dr Tim Noble,
Executive Medical Director, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals

Here's what you can do to help:

• If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do so as early as possible. This will help our teams and free up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.
• Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and for life threatening emergencies.
• Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111
• Pharmacies can offer over the counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies.