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An emergency department consultant has described the strain caused by “Black Eye Friday” as “demoralising” for NHS staff.
The last Friday before Christmas, a popular night for festive celebrations, is notorious for a surge in alcohol-related incidents, which adds significant pressure to already stretched hospital services.
Staff at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, who are also managing an uptick in flu cases, are urging the public to act responsibly during the holiday season.
“Avoidable Patients Add Pressure”
Mr. Kay Adeboye, a consultant at the trust, said winter months are typically challenging due to busy wards, and the influx of avoidable alcohol-related cases makes the situation worse.
“We’re not killjoys — we know it’s Christmas. But whatever you’re going to do, do it responsibly,” he said.
He highlighted that ambulances being diverted to pick up intoxicated individuals misuses critical resources needed for genuine emergencies, such as heart attacks or strokes.
Adeboye also expressed concern about the hospital potentially reaching capacity, stating, “We don’t want to get to the point where we’re so blocked that we’re looking after people in corridors.”
Staff Exhaustion and Aggression
Matron Laura Pennicott echoed these concerns, emphasizing the strain on healthcare workers.
“Shifts can be bad when people drink to excess. We deal with violence and aggression, which can be heightened when alcohol is involved,” she said.
Pennicott noted that the consequences of “Black Eye Friday” often linger for days, as patients seek treatment for injuries or illnesses they didn’t notice while intoxicated.
Ambulance Services Under Pressure
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) confirmed it begins planning for winter pressures as early as June. Stuart Holliday, head of emergency preparedness, highlighted the dangers, such as people collapsing, getting into fights, running into traffic, or even falling into rivers.
“If we’re responding to someone who’s just overindulged, there may be someone else waiting with a heart attack or stroke,” he said.
Holliday also emphasized the toll on ambulance crews, who often face delayed breaks, extended shifts, and aggression from those they are trying to help.
A Plea for Responsibility
The NHS is calling on the public to celebrate responsibly this festive season to reduce unnecessary strain on emergency services.
As Adeboye put it: “At the end of the day, we want to make a difference, not just run around dealing with avoidable cases. Everyone needs to do their part.”
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