Statement on London Bridge Incident – November 2019
Update: 06.12.2019
Dr Vin Diwakar, Medical Director for the NHS in London, said:
“All three people taken to hospital following Friday’s attack at London Bridge are recovering well and the final patient has been discharged home. I would like to thank all our wonderful NHS staff for the care given to those who were hurt.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who sadly lost their lives and all those who have been impacted.
“NHS mental health advice and support is available for anyone affected by these events. In the first instance call NHS 111 and look at the NHS website, with specialist services available if needed.”
Anyone involved in, or affected by, a traumatic event such as a terror attack, is likely that to suffer short-term effects.
Some emotions people may experience include:
• Fear
• Helplessness
• Increased alertness for danger
• Fatigue
• Intrusive thoughts or images of the event
• Nightmares
• Avoidance of places that may remind you of the event
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Memories of previous traumatic events
These are normal responses to making sense of traumatic events. While these feelings can be distressing, they will usually reduce over time. A variety of practical, emotional and social support from family and friends can be very powerful in helping to manage these difficult experiences.
Some things that might help include:
• share your feelings with someone you feel comfortable with (friends, family, co-workers)
• talk at your own pace and as much as you feel it’s useful
• be willing to listen to others who may need to talk about how they feel
• take time to cry if you need to – letting feelings out is helpful
• ask for emotional and practical support from friends, family members, your community or religious centre
• try to spend some time doing something that feels good and that you enjoy
• try to return to everyday routines and habits. They can be comforting and help you feel less out of sorts. Look after yourself: eat and sleep well, exercise and relax.
Most people go on to recover, but sometimes distress may last longer. If experiences and feelings persist beyond 2-4 weeks then people should consider seeking further advice from their GP or local services. Those struggling to keep themselves safe should urgently seek advice from either their GP, NHS 111 or in an emergency visit A&E.
Further information on help and support after a traumatic event is available on our website
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Update: 01.12.2019
Dr Vin Diwakar, Medical Director for the NHS in London, said:
“One of the people injured in the London Bridge incident has now been able to return home. Two people remain in a stable condition and continue to receive expert care in hospital.
“I’m sure the public would like to join me in again paying thanks to our staff throughout the NHS for their care to those hurt in this incident – from the London Ambulance staff who provided immediate care on the scene, to all those involved in treatment at hospital.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who sadly lost their lives.
“While the NHS is now dealing with immediate physical injuries, the psychological impact of such events sometimes only comes to light in the days and weeks afterwards. Anyone affected by the attack can access NHS advice and support, in the first instance through calling NHS 111 and the NHS website and from specialist services if needed.”
We would urge the media to continue to respect the privacy of those involved in this incident.
If you have been involved in, or affected by, a traumatic event such as a terror attack, then it is likely that you will suffer short-term effects.
Some emotions people may experience include:
• Fear
• Helplessness
• Increased alertness for danger
• Fatigue
• Intrusive thoughts or images of the event
• Nightmares
• Avoidance of places that may remind you of the event
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Memories of previous traumatic events
These are normal responses to making sense of traumatic events. While these feelings can be distressing, they will usually reduce over time. A variety of practical, emotional and social support from family and friends can be very powerful in helping to manage these difficult experiences.
Some things that might help include:
• share your feelings with someone you feel comfortable with (friends, family, co-workers)
• talk at your own pace and as much as you feel it’s useful
• be willing to listen to others who may need to talk about how they feel
• take time to cry if you need to – letting feelings out is helpful
• ask for emotional and practical support from friends, family members, your community or religious centre
• try to spend some time doing something that feels good and that you enjoy
• try to return to everyday routines and habits. They can be comforting and help you feel less out of sorts. Look after yourself: eat and sleep well, exercise and relax.
Most people go on to recover, but sometimes distress may last longer. If experiences and feelings persist beyond 2-4 weeks then you should consider seeking further advice from your GP or local services. Those who are struggling to keep themselves safe should urgently seek advice from either their GP, NHS 111 or in an emergency visit A&E.
Further information on help and support after a traumatic event is available on our website
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Update: 30.11.2019
NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said: “We are pleased to be able to report that the condition of the patient who was critically injured in the terrible events at London Bridge yesterday has now improved. While three people remain in hospital, this means two are now stable and a third has less serious injuries.
“I would again pay tribute to all those who responded so effectively – the police, NHS ambulance crews who were on the scene and tending the wounded within minutes, and the courageous members of the public who demonstrated such extraordinary bravery.
“While the NHS is now dealing with immediate physical injuries, the psychological impact of such events sometimes only comes to light in the days and weeks afterwards. Those caught up in the attack – supported by their friends and loved ones – can access NHS advice and support, in the first instance through calling NHS 111 and the NHS website and from specialist services if needed.”
Background –
If you have been involved in, or affected by, a traumatic event such as a terror attack, then it is likely that you will suffer short-term effects.
Some emotions people may experience include:
• Fear
• Helplessness
• Increased alertness for danger
• Fatigue
• Intrusive thoughts or images of the event
• Nightmares
• Avoidance of places that may remind you of the event
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Memories of previous traumatic events
These are normal responses to making sense of traumatic events. While these feelings can be distressing, they will usually reduce over time. A variety of practical, emotional and social support from family and friends can be very powerful in helping to manage these difficult experiences.
Some things that might help include:
• share your feelings with someone you feel comfortable with (friends, family, co-workers)
• talk at your own pace and as much as you feel it’s useful
• be willing to listen to others who may need to talk about how they feel
• take time to cry if you need to – letting feelings out is helpful
• ask for emotional and practical support from friends, family members, your community or religious centre
• try to spend some time doing something that feels good and that you enjoy
• try to return to everyday routines and habits. They can be comforting and help you feel less out of sorts. Look after yourself: eat and sleep well, exercise and relax.
Most people go on to recover, but sometimes distress may last longer. If experiences and feelings persist beyond 2-4 weeks then you should consider seeking further advice from your GP or local services. Those who are struggling to keep themselves safe should urgently seek advice from either their GP, NHS 111 or in an emergency visit A&E.
Further information on help and support after a traumatic event is available on our website
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29.11.2019
Following the incident that took place earlier today in London Bridge Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who responded to this incident, both the extraordinarily brave members of the public and our emergency responders. As the Met Police have confirmed, sadly two people have died in addition to the suspect. London Ambulance Service treated people at the scene and three were taken to hospital. We can confirm that one patient is critical but stable, a second person is in a stable condition and a third person has less serious injuries. Our deep sympathies are with the families and all those affected by today’s incident.”
Ends