Northamptonshire NHS Critical Incident Stood down

NHS Critical incident stood down

The NHS in Northamptonshire has stood down the Critical Incident declared on Tuesday 7 January 2025, but the system remains extremely busy.

Maria Laffan, Chief Nursing Officer NHS Northamptonshire ICB said: "Although the Critical Incident has now been stood down, our services, particularly our hospitals and ambulance service remain extremely busy.

"We thank local people for helping us so far but continue to ask them to assist the NHS by only accessing the Emergency Department (A&E) or 999 in a true emergency and using alternative NHS services where possible such as your local pharmacy, GP, Corby Urgent Care Centre, and 111.nhs.uk can offer 24 hour help and advice, especially if you feel your symptoms are becoming worse."

Dr Naomi Caldwell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer NHS Northamptonshire ICB added: "We are still seeing high prevalence of flu, respiratory conditions and winter bugs in our communities, and we would continue to urge local people who are eligible but have not yet been vaccinated to continue coming forward for their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. Vaccines provide vital protection and help prevent developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital.

"In most cases flu and norovirus can be successfully treated at home by resting, drinking lots of fluids and taking paracetamol. If you unsure or feel your symptoms are becoming worse, please seek advice from your local pharmacy or NHS 111. Please help us not to spread these viruses across the community by remaining at home, where possible, and not attending hospital if you have symptoms."

Where to go if you need help

Winter wellness advice

The colder months can have a detrimental impact on our health, especially if you have an underlying health condition that affects your lungs such as COPD or asthma. Staying warm at home is one of the ways you can reduce your risk of falling ill but we understand this isn't always possible for everyone.

Our wellbeing website page has advice about the steps you can take to stay well during the colder months and advice about the warm and welcoming spaces available across the area.

NHS 111

Anyone who needs urgent care should use 111.nhs.uk to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If needed a healthcare professional will call you back and this option can save you time in waiting areas.

If you do not have internet access or you are contacting 111 about a patient aged 5 or under, please call 111 instead.

Corby Urgent Care Centre

Corby Urgent Care Centre is open every day between 8am and 8pm and can help with minor injuries/ illnesses such as lacerations, sprains, strains, minor burns or scalds.

Local pharmacy

Your local pharmacy can help with minor illnesses like coughs, colds and red eye. They can also offer care for a number of conditions through the Pharmacy First scheme including sore throat, ear infections, sinusitis, impetigo, shingles, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Our support from your pharmacy page has further information about eligibility criteria and participating pharmacists. They are open late and no appointment is needed.

General Practice

GP practices continue to be open, including the out of hours service but are also likely to be extremely busy. Please continue to contact your GP practice if you need GP services and the out of hours service can be reached via 111.nhs.uk Remember you can also book appointments and order repeat prescriptions online or by using the NHS app.

Not sure where to go?

Patients who need medical help or advice but are unsure where to go, should contact NHS 111 online unless it unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

Contact Information

West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team

communications@westnorthants.gov.uk