Health chiefs have today asked the public to stop and think before attending A&E.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran bosses say the health service is under 'significant pressure' due to Covid cases and staff absences along with a surge in urgent care demand.
Experts say that people who attend an A&E in the region may be directed 'to a more appropriate service' if the condition of the patient doesn't need the services of the emergency department.
These include GP surgery, NHS24, pharmacy, emergency dental service, pregnancy services and sexual health services. Redirecting patients to more appropriate services will help our Emergency Departments run more efficiently and patients will be seen quicker.
Joanne Edwards, director of acute services, said: “Pressure remains high across the entire health and care system in Ayrshire and Arran. This is due to a rise in positive cases of COVID-19 both within our hospitals and our communities, staff absence, high occupancy levels in our hospitals, delayed transfers of care and high volumes of frail and ill patients requiring complex care.
“Our staff are working hard to triage patients and prioritise them based on clinical need. While many patients coming through our Emergency Departments are ill and need to be there, we know that some people would receive more appropriate and quicker treatment elsewhere.
“As hospital services remain under pressure we are asking people to stop and think before attending the Emergency Department as it may not always be the best place to treat certain conditions.
“If you have an emergency including a serious illness or accident such as suspected stroke, heart attack, head injuries, fractures or wounds that need stitches come straight to the Emergency Department or call 999.
“If it’s not an emergency, call NHS 24 on 111 and you will be assessed over the telephone and referred to the right healthcare professional. We know that you may need to wait a while for your call to be triaged, but calling NHS 24 from the comfort of your own home can avoid unnecessary trips to hospital and allow you to access care as close to home as possible.
"By doing this you can help us ensure that our Emergency Departments are there for those who need them most”
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