NHS services prepare for 'Black Friday'
Thursday 18th December 2008
NHS services are preparing for an unprecedented surge in demand for emergency services on December 19th, the Guardian has reported.
The day, dubbed Black Friday by ambulance staff, is set to be the busiest of the year for medical staff due to a combination of factors - namely office Christmas parties and a cold snap which has led to outbreaks of flu.
NHS chief executive David Nicholson said: "There is no doubt that the Friday before Christmas is an extremely busy time for the NHS."
The number of 999 calls across England is seven per cent higher this year that in 2007, with the West Midlands and London identified as the areas under the most pressure, Mr Nicholson added.
According to the Bath Chronicle, Great Western Ambulance service - which covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon - reported up to 1,000 calls a day last week.
Meanwhile, the Royal United Hospital's emergency department, which normally takes care of around 1,300 patients each week, said this number increases significantly during the December holiday season.
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