Patients have been urged to avoid attending accident and emergency departments at Liverpool’s hospitals as they battle “significant demand.”
In a video released on social media, Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust (LUHFT) urged people across the city to use other forms of healthcare where possible should they fall ill. In the short message, consultant Nina Maryanji said the services across the city were feeling the strain.
She said: “Our A&E departments at both of our sites, Aintree University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool Hospital, are experiencing significant demand at this current time so I would strongly urge you to use other forms of healthcare if at all possible.”
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The message from LUHFT came as doctors represented by the British Medical Association (BMA) began a three day walkout today. The industrial action is scheduled to end at 7am on Saturday.
The hospital trust has urged patients who would usually attend A&E to consider contacting their GP, NHS 111, a nearby pharmacy or a walk-in centre should they require medical attention. Those who do need to attend a hospital have been advised they face a lengthy wait for treatment.
Dr Maryanji said: “However if you do feel the need to attend one of our emergency departments, please be mindful that we will be assessing and treating the sickest patients first, so you may experience a long wait.”
Ahead of the industrial action, LUHFT said it was contacting patients who may face a rescheduled appointment. In a statement online, the Trust said: “If you have not heard from us, please come to your appointment as planned – you do not need to contact us.
“Emergency care and other critical services will be open as usual and people should always call 999 or attend A&E in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.” The additional industrial action was called by the BMA following talks between the union and the Department for Health and Social Care breaking down last month.
Dr Vivek Trivedi and Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chairs of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, said if the government did not change its position on doctors’ pay, they would be prepared to stage strikes throughout the summer.
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