England football fans urged not to put off health issues
With England's first World Cup match tonight against Croatia, NHS data reveals a drop in A&E attendances when England are playing.
Last updated 8 hours ago
If you're feeling unwell, but can't drag yourself away from the football, there's a warning for you today, not to put off getting help for health problems.
Experts are making the plea to football fans, after data revealed a drop in A&E attendances when England are playing.
NHS England said people should come forward for care in their usual way and not wait until after a game, as well as avoiding situations that could land them in A&E with trips and injuries following a match.
17,000 fewer A & E trips
Analysis of A&E attendance data during Euro 2024 found there were just under 17,000 fewer attendances than expected during England matches across the tournament.
The biggest drop in attendances was in the hour before the start of the game, when services experienced an 11% dip.
England’s group-stage opener against Serbia saw the biggest drop overall for a game, with 8.8% fewer patients attending A&E than the six-week average.
The quarter-final against Switzerland also saw a 5.9% drop, while the final against Spain led to 5.7% fewer attendances.
Attendances also fell more sharply when England played at weekends compared with midweek games.
Once matches finished, England’s A&Es then experienced a spike in demand, with hundreds more patients needing care in the following eight-hour period.
NHS England said this was driven in part by around a 10% increase in trauma and musculoskeletal attendances, consistent with falls, assaults and other injuries.
The biggest increase in admissions at the last Euros was between 1am and 2am, when services experienced a 6.3% rise compared with the average for that time period.
"Put your health first"
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.”