Patients invited to reschedule appointments during heatwave
Due to extreme hot weather forecast for the early part of next week, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is advising anyone worried about being exposed to the heat not to travel for their non-urgent outpatient clinic appointment
The Trust runs a range of outpatient clinics for mental health patients, and for people requiring nursing or therapy treatment at local community venues, including its Community Hospitals in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Tenbury, Malvern and Pershore, and health and community centres.
Matthew Hall, Chief Operating Officer at the Trust, said: “The predicted temperatures can have significant health implications, especially for more vulnerable people including babies and small children, older people, and those with respiratory or other long-term illnesses.
“We completely understand that some of our patients may be worried about venturing outdoors on Monday or Tuesday to attend one of our community outpatient appointments, and so we want to reassure those people that if you are concerned about being exposed to the heat, then please stay at home and stay cool and hydrated and don’t worry about missing your appointment with us. Our team will be in touch with you to rearrange another appointment over the next few weeks.
“Clearly this is down to peoples’ own judgments and if you feel your appointment is urgent or you are happy to attend, then our team will be ready to welcome you as planned. For some patients we will also look at converting your appointment online if that’s possible too.”
This does not include appointments anyone has at either the Worcestershire Royal, Alexandra, or Kidderminster Hospitals which are run by our partners, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, or at Hereford County Hospital which is run by Wye Valley NHS Trust.
Anyone experiencing an emergency or life threatening condition should attend their nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible, or call 999.
Local Minor Injury Units are also open as normal for non-urgent injuries such as small burns, cuts, sprains and fractures – www.hacw.nhs.uk/MIU
If you are unsure of the best option, contact NHS111