'Don't put World Cup before health,' England fans warned

Football fans are being urged not to ignore health problems during the World Cup after analysis revealed a significant drop in A&E attendance during England games.

(c) Fauzan Saari/Unsplash

(c) Fauzan Saari/Unsplash

NHSE revealed there were 17,000 fewer A&E attendances than expected during Euro 2024, however, the lull during matches was followed by a spike in demand in the hours following the match, as fans spilled out of pubs and fan parks.

The biggest increase in admissions at the last Euros was between 1am and 2am, when services experienced a 6.3% rise in admissions compared to the average for that time of day.

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.'

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