Up to 3,000 NHS trust staff on duty Christmas Day

Up to 3,000 staff will be working on Christmas Day across one NHS trust.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust said teams would be on duty at Frimley Park, Wexham Park and Heatherwood hospitals, as well as at several satellite sites.

The trust expects medical teams will care for hundreds of patients, supported by cleaners, catering teams, IT staff, porters, security, receptionists and volunteers.

James Clarke, chief strategy officer, said: "Nothing illustrates the incredible professionalism, dedication and teamwork of Frimley Health and the NHS more than Christmas time."

"We are so grateful for everything they do and for all the other brilliant people across our communities who sacrifice their own time with loved ones to ensure that the rest of us can remain safe at this special time of year," he added

Catering teams are preparing 1,000 full Christmas lunches for staff and up to 1,500 for patients.

The trust also expects to welcome up to 20 babies across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On top of emergency departments, urgent care facilities, and inpatients wards, community teams will also be supporting people in their own homes over the festive period.

Frimley Health is advising the public to choose the right service for their needs if they require healthcare over Christmas.

"People should use NHS 111 online first and only use emergency departments or dial 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency," the trust said.

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