Does anyone know if this is happening in hospitals in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

[Wendy39]

walesonline.co.uk/news/heal...

Does anyone know if this kind of voluntary pastoral assistance is being offered by charities elsewhere?

3 out of 4 of my hospitals in my Hywel Dda health board are listed here. Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest, Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen and Prince Phillip Hospital Llanelli.

I know they are struggling, all round. The health board doesn’t provide reception staff at all times, volunteers from the community are covering the main desks a lot of the time.

But this seems much more serious.

It’s good that the volunteers will help fill a gap but sad that it is needed in the first place.

Wendy

PS I still owe a lot of people replies, I haven’t forgotten you! xx

[Kevin53]

Hi Wendy. Second time in Wales, expanded this year.

The main issue is preventing those who do not need A&E attending. If the only way to A&E was ambulance, referral by Pharmacist, GP or NHS direct this would use the A&E resources for those in real need. Best wishes Kevin

[Lupiknits]

I haven’t heard of it here Wendy. The main adult A&E here has a small GP section for those who really aren’t emergencies, or perhaps aren’t registered.

Beyond WVS manning coffee and tea rooms I haven’t heard of other voluntary help.

[TM1970]

Not heard of it in NI Wendy, but things are diabolical here too xxx

[Wendy39 in reply to TM1970]

Hello. Yes, I am sure they are. The further away from London you get, the worse it gets. Is your NHS devolved in NI? (Sorry did my ignorance!) Wendy

[creaky]

Hi Wendy,

This is nothing new in Wales, I retired over 5 years ago as a nurse in cardiff and at that time red cross were being used in certain situations. They are not being used to replace paramedic units.

[Wendy39 in reply to creaky]

Hello creaky

Yes, you are right, they aren’t replacing ambulance staff, paramedics, nurses or doctors, looks like more of a pastoral role. I’m guessing taking care of vulnerable people. etc.

They obviously need the help.

Wendy

[GloomyEeyore]

Not seen, or heard, anything like this happening where I live in Scotland.

[Wendy39 in reply to GloomyEeyore]

Thanks for replying. It would be interesting to know how many hospitals throughout the UK are being helped by The Red Cross. x

[Wendy39]

Yes, we definitely need all the help we can get and it’s amazing that these volunteers will take on such a huge commitment over the Christmas / Winter months.

But it feels a bit like bringing the army in. Things must be very bad.

I know a lot of the issues are people using A&E / ambulance service when it’s not an emergency. I know our health board are giving lots of information on their FaceBook page about accessing your GP surgery, Minor Injury Units, pharmacies etc. NHS helpline number 111 and what is appropriate for your illness / injury.

One of our hospitals has closed to visitors already due to the Norovirus.....

Wendy x