'Vigorous' clapping for NHS staff causing spike in hospital admissions, Yorkshire doctor reveals

A Yorkshire A&E doctor has revealed that the weekly clap for NHS staff has resulted in a bizarre spike - in accidents.

Dr Richard Pilling, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, told a colleague that the nationwide Thursday night ritual had led to an unexpected peak of admissions to A&E.

The unlikely trend was revealed by Dr Pilling to medical colleague Dr John Wright who disclosed it on a diary of the Covid-19 pandemic for the BBC.

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Dr Richard Pilling, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Harrogate District Hospital, told him that the clap for carers made them “a little busier”.

Stock ambulance photoStock ambulance photo
Stock ambulance photo

He said that one woman fell and slashed her knee while trying to get a better view while clapping.

While people who haven’t been exercising who suddenly get up and clap may be prone to falling and breaking their bones.

Now Dr Wright has urged the public to be more careful while “vigorously” celebrating the NHS, as some have suffered injuries as a result.

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He added that people need to be more cautious, especially if they've been sitting down all day, as it might be one of the few times older people go outside.

The nation has shown their collective appreciation for NHS staff during the Covid-19 outbreak by clapping each Thursday evening at 8pm.

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