As the nation gets ready for the England men’s team’s second consecutive UEFA European Football Championship final, a local healthcare group is appealing for fans to take it easy and not overdo the revelries.
University Hospitals Tees, the partnership of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is asking all football fans to keep A & E free for life threatening emergencies and illnesses.
Exciting
Laura Pennicott, emergency department matron at the University Hospital of North Tees, said: “We don’t want to limit anyone’s fun but we are asking everyone not to overdo it on Sunday.
“It’s going to be an exciting night but sadly some people go too far during big matches and A & E units across the country see lots patients with drink-related injuries or people so drunk they need medical assistance.
“It’s vital that we keep our emergency and urgent care treatment centres free for those who need them.
“Does anyone really want to celebrate a victory with a visit to A & E?”
Top tips
The following tips can help anyone enjoy a fun and safe evening of football:
- Pace yourself – enjoy alcohol in moderation and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Eat before and during drinking – a proper meal can slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Plan your journey home – if you are watching the match at the pub or at a friend’s, make sure you have a safe way to get home and avoiding drink-driving at all costs.
- Look after each other – keep an eye on your friends and make sure everyone gets home safely.