HEALTH and care services are under extreme pressure this new year period, say health and care leaders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

It could mean some operations have to be postponed but cancer and vital surgery will be given a priority say health chiefs.

Pressures experienced across the system include demand for urgent and emergency care, rising flu and Covid numbers, as well as ongoing challenges with workforce sickness.

However, the public can help to ease the strain on services during this very busy period. Everyone is being urged to ‘help us help you’ by carefully choosing the best service for your needs and to contact NHS 111 in the first instance for non-urgent cases.

Those with the highest level of need will be prioritised, which could mean patients with non-urgent symptoms may have a long wait to be seen. Equally some routine operations are likely to be rescheduled. However, cancer and other critical operations will continue to be prioritised.

“I am urging everyone in the county to only come to A&E for life threatening conditions and injuries. Please do not call 999 or attend A&E unless it’s a genuine emergency,” said Alison Bussey, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

“NHS 111 online should be your first port of call and will help you find where to get help and support. Minor Injury Units located in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch can also provide advice and treatment for a variety of minor injuries.

“Please be assured we are working extremely hard with our partners to release ambulance crews to attend the most urgent patients in the community, to improve flow through our hospitals, and to keep people safe.

“Despite the severe challenges faced, our services remain open to anyone who needs them during this very busy period.”