120 army and navy personnel to be deployed in GM hospitals

Hospitals in Greater Manchester will be receiving the support of 120 army and navy personnel after requesting military support due to the impact of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
 

Read more: Hospitals request military support against OmicronPublished: 14 January 2022

The Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership has confirmed today, Thursday (20 January) that 120 army and navy personnel will be deployed into hospitals in Greater Manchester to help manage the ongoing impacts that the Omicron variant has had on the delivery of hospital services.

This support will also enable current pressures on staffing to be stabilised and help in preparing sites for full restoration of activity.

Some examples of the type of work that will be undertaken include general ward duties, cleaning to support maintenance of Infection Prevention Control measures, portering, help with mealtimes and drinks, administration, answering ward telephones and dealing with queries, maintaining stocks of supplies and acting as runners - taking samples to laboratories or collecting drugs from the pharmacy.

Sarah Price, interim chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “In recent weeks we’ve seen the pressures placed on health and care services by Covid-19 intensify, as we felt the impact of both the Omicron variant and the increased demand that comes with the colder months. In the last few days, we have seen these pressures ease somewhat and are now set to resume the non-urgent surgery that it had been necessary to pause.

“Yet this is no time for complacency, and all our health and care services are still facing serious challenges, as we learn to live with Covid. We will always be there for those who need help, if you need support or treatment, please seek it – we want to see you.

“However, you can help us treat those who need it most by thinking about how you contact the NHS. If your need is urgent but isn’t an emergency please use NHS 111 first, either online or over the phone.

“And remember too that we can only reduce the spread of Covid-19 together, by making sure we’re all fully vaccinated, it will never be too late.”

Anyone with health concerns is urged to continue to come forward for help and treatment in the usual way, using their local emergency department only for serious illnesses or injuries.

Lots of illnesses can be managed safely at home, or with a trip to a local pharmacist. Your local pharmacist can give advice on lots of health issues and there’s no need for an appointment. Over 95% of community pharmacies now have a private consultation room from which they can offer advice to patients and a range of services.

GP practices are open and have remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Many GPs are now working in a different way, asking patients to get in touch online initially (where possible) and operating a triage (order of treatment) system to ensure patients with more urgent concerns are prioritised, including for a face-to-face appointment.

Dental practices are open and providing services. Practices are working hard to see as many patients as possible while ensuring that services are safe for the public. They can be contacted by phone or online for advice, or to book an appointment if needed. The Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800) is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and Bank Holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist.

People can seek help in the community to avoid a visit to hospital for accident and emergencies related to eyes. A service has been set up so patients can access free urgent NHS care at some optometry practices locally. Some optometrists have equipment to take scans of the eye and others have had additional training to allow them to prescribe eye medications.

Optometrists can share information with the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital to get an extra opinion when required. Sometimes patients may be sent to the hospital if further care is needed. You can find more information here.

Anyone who has an urgent medical need and isn’t sure what to do can contact NHS 111 online or call for free. The NHS 111 service can provide self-care advice, signpost to an appropriate local service, or book people in to be seen at their local pharmacy, GP practice or emergency department.

NHS 111 can book you an appointment at your local A&E or emergency department. This means you will have an allocated time to attend hospital and be treated, so you don’t have to wait a long time to be seen and can also help services avoid becoming overcrowded.