‘Black Eye Friday’ Described as Demoralizing for Health Staff

An emergency department consultant has characterized the effects of what is known as Black Eye Friday on his ward as “demoralising”. The final Friday preceding Christmas typically sees increased activity as individuals commence their festivities, yet it is also recognized for a high volume of alcohol-related incidents. Personnel at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, already managing an elevated incidence of flu cases, have appealed to the public to act responsibly. Mr Kay Adeboye stated that winter periods were “generally very difficult” due to crowded wards, making an influx of additional patients, “particularly ones that are avoidable,” undesirable. He characterized the strain experienced during this period of the year as “demoralising for everybody.” “We’re not killjoys, we know it’s Christmas, we will not say ‘don’t do that’, but whatever you’re going to do, do it responsibly,” he commented. “Getting ambulances out on to the road to pick up people simply because they’re intoxicated is an improper use of resources which could be directed to emergencies.” Mr Adeboye conveyed that the hospital aimed to avoid reaching a state where it was “so blocked that we’re looking after people on corridors.” He further stated: “At the end of the day, you get home and you’re exhausted, and you wonder have I actually made a difference or have I just run around all day, so it’s quite challenging and difficult.” Matron Laura Pennicott expressed apprehension regarding the additional strain caused by individuals consuming alcohol and “going too far.” “We do have violence and aggression in department, and obviously sometimes with alcohol and people going out drinking to excess that can be heightened so we know that shifts can be bad,” she noted. She explained that the consequences of “Black Eye Friday” could persist for several days, as individuals seek treatment for injuries and ailments they might not have recognized due to intoxication. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) indicated that it conducted its winter planning in June. Stuart Holliday, head of emergency preparedness, mentioned that beyond individuals collapsing from excessive alcohol consumption or engaging in altercations, others might encounter traffic or even tumble into rivers. “It’s always a conscious thought that if we’re responding to someone that has just overindulged that actually there may be somebody waiting who’s having a heart attack or a stroke.” He stated that crews frequently needed to postpone meal breaks, conclude shifts late, and work beyond their regular hours. “They’re trying to deal with often quite difficult circumstances, quite emotionally difficult circumstances, and on top of that sometimes face aggression, when all they’re trying to do is help.” For those impacted by the subjects discussed in this report, assistance and support are accessible through the BBC Action Line. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram, external. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.