Public urged to enjoy England Euro final ‘responsibly’ after injuries related to TV football coverage

Ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has urged the public to enjoy the game “responsibly” after seeing a number of injuries related to the football recently.

The trust has also asked people to “think twice” before coming in to the urgent and emergency care department after having patients turn up with paper cuts, hay fever, mild knee pain and minor falls.

Speaking from a clinic room at the urgent care department at the University Hospital of North Tees, nurse practitioner Emma Francis said: “A lot of people are coming in to the department with minor injuries and illnesses.

“We have been incredibly busy over the last few months. The pandemic is still very present and we are still running low on staff and running low on beds.

“We need people to self-care as much as they can at home. Take regular medications, take pain relief if you need to and contact your GP practice if you need repeat prescriptions.

“So, we are really asking people to think twice before seeing us.

“We have also seen a number of injuries related to the football over the last few days.

“Our advice is for people to be mindful of this – enjoy the match but do so responsibly.

“We need to keep our urgent and emergency care departments available for the people who really need us.”

The North East Ambulance service echoed the plea, asking the public to stay safe and use emergency and NHS services wisely ahead of the final.

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