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Public urged to use A&E
wisely
HOSPITAL officials are urging
people to avoid using A&E unless their condition is serious or life
threatening. Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is experiencing
a high demand for Hospital beds. This is resulting in some patients
experiencing long delays in A&E and in waiting for admission to a Hospital
bed. In these challenging circumstances, anyone thinking of using A&E should
examine their options carefully and consider using other NHS services.
Jeanette Abraham, Assistant Director of
Operations, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust said:- "We are
experiencing a high demand for Hospital beds. We urge people to use A&E
wisely and think carefully before calling an Ambulance. A&E is for people
facing life threatening and serious emergencies such as serious accidents,
serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes. Coughs, colds,
sore throats, upset stomachs, general aches and pains, and flu will usually
clear up on their own. Keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and, if
appropriate, treat with over the counter painkillers such as Paracetamol.
Contact a GP or a GP out of hours service for help with injuries or
illnesses that won't go away. Alternatively, West Lancashire Health Centre
at Ormskirk Hospital is open, from 8am to 10pm all year round. Skelmersdale
NHS Walk in Centre at The Concourse is open, from 7am to 10pm, on weekdays
and from 9am to 5pm, on weekends. Local pharmacies and the NHS Choices
website are also a good source of information and advice. We would also
always ask people to 'Choose Well' when it comes to selecting the most
appropriate health services for their need."
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