Welcome to the Triangle – December 2024
It’s hard to believe that we’re now nearing the end of what has proved to be a very eventful 12 months for the NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
But before we bid farewell to this year, and welcome in 2025, let us provide an update on what’s been going on over the last few weeks, as – like always – a lot has been happening.
Winter made an unapologetic arrival to our region earlier this month, with two named storms causing havoc and adding even more pressure to our already very busy urgent and emergency care services.
This time of year is always a challenge for the NHS, but the last few weeks have been extremely full-on, with current estimates suggesting that local demand for NHS care is now as much as 10 per cent higher than it was at this point in 2023.
Our hardworking frontline teams are having to care for more people than ever before, but it’s not just those working in the hospitals who are feeling the pressure.
It’s a similar story for all our services, from primary care and pharmacies, all the way to the ambulance service and NHS 111, as well as everything else in between.
What’s reassuring though is that the message we’re hearing from Westminster is that the Secretary of State shares our view that, even during the very busiest of times, patient safety must take priority.
We’re working hard behind-the-scenes to ensure our services remain resilient during the festive season, and that our teams on the ground feel supported, but we’re also calling on members of the public to play their part.
Simple actions, such as getting help from a pharmacy or NHS 111 online, offering to bring a loved one home from hospital or just enjoying the festivities in a responsible manner, can really make a difference to those who are pulling out all the stops to provide care to those most in need.
We’re all well aware that the NHS is a 24-hour service, even at Christmas time, and that hundreds of our colleagues in all corners of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will be on duty while others are celebrating with family and friends.
While it’s the nature of our work, we want to say a very public thank you to all those who will be working this Christmas. Your service to others, along with your unwavering professionalism and selflessness, never goes unnoticed.
We both hope that you all find time over the next few weeks to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation in the company of those closest to you.
Our social media channels will be a hive of activity during the Christmas and new year period, as we share timely advice on how to say well, and what to do and where to go when in need.
Please help us spread these important messages as far and as wide as possible, as every share has the potential to make an impact.
Thank you for your continued support throughout 2024, and we look forward to connecting with you again in the new year.
Sue Harriman,
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Elsy,
Chair