People urged to avoid New year’s eve festivities as ambulance calls surge from 5,000 to 8,000 a day.

As New Year’s eve approaches fast, people are being urged to avoid partying and follow the tier 4 restrictions as Covid cases overwhelm our NHS.

Neighbouring Essex County has officially declared a major incident, as cases soar and the county’s health officials fear the Covid cases could potentially overwhelm the health services there.

Calls to the London Ambulance Service have also greatly increased, a spokesperson told the Havering Daily:

“Like NHS organisations across the country, demand for our services has risen sharply over the past weeks and we are now taking up to 8,000 999 calls a day compared to 5,500 on a typical ‘busy’ day.

“Our colleagues in emergency departments are also under pressure receiving our patients as quickly as they can. We are working urgently with NHS partners to reduce any delays.

“The public can support us by only calling 999 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent medical advice go to: 111.nhs.uk.”

In Havering, people are being advised to follow the Government guidelines and please stick to the tier 4 rules. Queen’s and King George’s have also been overwhelmed with record number of Covid cases. A spokesperson for BHRUT told the Havering Daily:

“Along with the rest of the NHS, we are under considerable pressure as we look after a rising number of Covid patients, some of whom are being cared for safely in ambulances before entering Queen’s Hospital.

“You can help us by calling NHS 111 if you need medical advice, and only coming to our emergency departments in a real emergency.

In a statement, Magda Smith, the Chief Medical Officer, said:  

“London’s NHS is under significant pressure from high COVID-19 infection rates and non-Covid winter demands, with staff in all services going the extra mile and we are opening more beds to care for the most unwell patients. 

“It is more important than ever that Londoners follow government guidance and do everything possible to reduce transmission of the virus.” 

 Background 

• We are opening extra beds and capacity for the sickest patients by working across London to support those areas under the greatest pressure 
• We are encouraging staff to consider taking additional shifts or accepting roles in areas where there is the greatest need and are grateful to all of those who have already done so ​