NHS England urges fans to seek emergency care during England games

NHS England is urging the public not to postpone emergency department visits while England play Euro 2024 matches, after data showed almost 17,000 fewer attendances than expected. The most pronounced dip was an 11% reduction in the hour leading up to kick‑off. The group‑stage opener against Serbia saw an 8.8% decrease in A&E patients compared with the six‑week average, while the quarter‑final against Switzerland and the final against Spain experienced drops of 5.9% and 5.7% respectively. Attendances fell more sharply during weekend fixtures than during midweek games.

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After matches, a surge in demand was often observed, with hundreds more patients requiring care in the eight hours following the final whistle. Experts from NHS England advise the public to continue seeking care as normal and caution against activities that could lead to injuries and subsequent A&E trips.

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The data also showed around a 10% increase in trauma and musculoskeletal attendances, and the biggest rise in admissions at the last Euros occurred between 1 am and 2 am, with a 6.3% increase compared with the average for that period. Emma Rowland, NHS England’s national clinical lead for urgent and emergency care, said: “We know that the World Cup is a highlight in any football fan’s calendar, but even the most die‑hard supporter needs to ensure they put their health first and seek emergency treatment when they need it. “The NHS will be available as it always is throughout the next 32 days of football action – including through extra time, penalties and beyond – so if you need care, please don’t hold off coming forward. “Use NHS services as you would normally, dial 999 in an emergency and otherwise use 111 or 111 online for your healthcare needs. “Please enjoy the tournament – but not in a way that turns a great night watching England into an unnecessary trip to A&E.”