This Bank Holiday Weekend, we are urging local people to keep safe, follow Covid guidelines and ensure our Emergency Departments are kept free for only those people who really need them.
If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do call NHS 111 first or go to 111.nhs.uk. Depending on the situation NHS 111 will:
- find out what local service can help you
- connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
- get you a face-to-face appointment if you need one
- give you an arrival time if you need to go to an Emergency Deparment – this might mean spending less time in the department
- tell you how to get any medicine you need
- give you self-care advice
It is vital that people remember Emergency Departments are for serious or life-threatening situations, including:
- Severe chest pain
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
- Suspected meningitis
- Injuries such as fractures or major burns
- Breathing difficulties
- Unconsciousness
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Suspected drug overdose
- Sudden and severe headaches
- Severe head injuries.
Over 10,000 people a month come to the Trust’s two Emergency Departments, some of those with complaints that should be treated by another part of the health service. The most common reasons in addition to minor illness, are bites and stings, dental problems and back pain which can all be treated by alternative services.
Amy Collis, Head of Nursing for Urgent Care said: “It’s really important, especially over the Bank Holiday weekend, that local people help us to keep our Emergency Departments free for those people who require emergency treatment. Call NHS 111 first or go to 111.nhs.uk if you have an urgent medical problem. Our Emergency Department doctors and nurses will continue to prioritise those patients who urgently require our help and work with those patients who come to the department with minor illnesses to find the most appropriate service.”