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Emergency Department
very busy; please only attend if you really need to
DOCTORS and nurses at the Royal Liverpool University
Hospital are urging the people of Liverpool to think about whether they
could be treated elsewhere before coming to the emergency department and are
asking for their support during this busy period.
All Hospitals are experiencing increased
attendances. Dr Tom Wiles, emergency medicine
consultant, said:- "We are seeing large numbers of patients and the
department is very busy. There are many other ways of getting the healthcare
you need and many illnesses and injuries don't need to be treated in a
hospital. There are lots of good support services out there, including NHS
111 and your GP. There are lots of very unwell people who do need our
care and treatment. We really need the support of the people of Liverpool to
allow us to look after the people who need us most. Please think about
whether you really need our care and treatment." There are a range of different healthcare providers in Liverpool that people
can access if they have concerns about their health.
Also Southport and Ormskirk hospitals have reported to
us that they have been A&E attendances were up 17% on Sunday against the
previous 6 weeks and up 20% in January against the same month in 2015.
"Please use A&E wisely and think carefully before attending hospital. We
are experiencing extremely high demand for beds. You don't need an
appointment at A&E but we make an assessment on arrival and, depending on
how urgent treatment is needed, you may have to wait. The triage nurse or
clinician may also signpost you to a different health care provider such as
your GP, dentist or pharmacy." Jeanette
Abraham, Associate Director of Operations.
Here's a guide to local health services:-
Your Local GP
Your GP should be your first point of contact for non-emergency illnesses
you can't treat yourself. Your GP is available from 8.00am to 6.30pm
weekdays, with same day appointments available, if necessary. Many GPs
across the city are offering more appointments during the winter period. If
you don't have a GP, you can register with your local surgery. If you're not
sure where this is, you can find out
online or by calling:- 0300 77 77 007.
GP Out of Hours Service
If your local surgery is closed, you can still see a GP with the GP
out of hours service; just contact your local practice and your call will be
re-directed. GP out of hours services in Liverpool are provided across the City. Most of the doctors who provide this service also work in local
practices. It's very likely that you and your family will be seen and
treated more quickly using the out of hours service than if you were waiting
to see a doctor in A&E, especially at busy times.
You can also access treatment quickly by considering 1 of these
alternative options:-
► NHS 111
When you need medical help or advice fast, but it is not a 999 emergency,
you can also call the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 is available, 24 hours a day,
365 days a year and calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
►
NHS Walk-In Centres
Walk-in centres provide treatment 365 days a year for illnesses that you
can't treat yourself and there's no need to book an appointment. Opening
times and locations are
here.
►
Pharmacy Services
Your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential and expert advice on a
range of health issues. They can help you prepare for many of the common
illnesses like coughs and colds and ensure you have a well stocked medicine
cabinet over the holiday period.
►
NHS Choices Website
You can find a wealth of advice about hundreds of health conditions, details
of GPs, pharmacies and dentists in your local area by visiting the NHS
Choices
website.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital added:- "A&E is for
only for medical emergencies and people facing life threatening
conditions such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems,
heart attacks and strokes.
Treatment for minor injuries is available at West Lancashire Health Centre
to the left of the entrance to Ormskirk hospital and Skelmersdale NHS
Walk in Centre at The Concourse. The last appointment to see a nurse is 9pm." |
