Royal Surrey Staff Who Will Be Working Over Christmas

Published on: 24 Dec, 2016
Updated on: 24 Dec, 2016

some of those who will be on duty over Christmas: (L-R) Consultant Dr Elizabeth Cheshire, the Clinical Director for the Emergency Department, Consultant Dr Carlo Arrigo, Senior Sister Vicky Swait, Sister Kathy Adamson-Green, and Emergency Nurse Practitioner Jenny Glass.

While most people are tucking into their turkey on Christmas Day, some staff will, of course, remain on duty at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

For many doctors, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and many more, December 25 is just a normal day “at the office”.

Carlo Arrigo, a consultant in the Royal Surrey’s Emergency Department, has volunteered to work on Christmas Day for the eleventh year in his career.

“I don’t mind working Christmas Day,” said the father-of-three, who is originally from Italy. “My commitment to emergency medicine is so high that I am happy to come in.

“I actually feel lucky to be able to help people on this special day and recognise that it is important that the public know that we are here for them 24 hours a day 365 days a year.”

Dr Arrigo’s children, who are aged 16, 13 and seven years, also supported his decision to work. “They know what I do and they told me that I was doing the right thing,” he said. “They said, ‘Dad, you have to help people’.”

Emergency nurse practitioner Jenny Glass, will be delaying celebrations with her family until Boxing Day. “We are a close-knit unit in A&E and I will be spending the day with my work family.

“It is quite a jolly atmosphere in the department and we all make the best of it.”

Consultant Dr Elizabeth Cheshire, the Clinical Director of the Emergency Department, said: “The A&E Department provides a vital service to the local community at all times of the year.

“We are always continuing to improve and invest in the department to ensure that Royal Surrey’s A&E is something that the people of Guildford and the surrounding areas can be proud of and depend on in their time of need.”

The Christmas period, and especially the few days after Christmas, are traditionally extremely busy, so the hospital wants the public to use A&E wisely over this period keeping it free for those who really need it.

Patients who are very unwell and urgently need help will be prioritised and those who go to the department with minor injuries or illness may face a long wait.

Dr Cheshire continued: “If you feel unwell and are unable to manage at home or a long standing condition flares up, don’t forget you can access GP services outside of surgery hours by calling 111.”

The 111 service is available to give advice to those unsure whether they need A&E, and is able to direct them to other services including walk-in centres, urgent care centres or pharmacists if a medical condition can be managed there.

Callers can also make an appointment with an out of hours GP, allowing those with conditions that don’t require emergency treatment to stay at home over the festive season.

But Dr Cheshire concludes: “In a real emergency, however, you should always attend A&E.”

Alf Turner, Deputy Chief Executive, added: “I would like to thank all the selfless staff across the hospital who will be away from their families and working on Christmas Day.