A&E stats still well down on last year

Patient numbers at Monklands Hospital’s casualty department have risen to their highest tally since social distancing was introduced – but remain at just over half of the attendances seen in the equivalent week last year.

Health board officials are stressing their “NHS is open” message, reiterating that anyone needing medical help should seek treatment.

A total of 810 people were seen at the Airdrie accident and emergency facility in the seven days to April 26, making it the busiest week since March 15, the day before the first announcement of social distancing and a week ahead of lockdown.

The figure is still significantly below the hospital’s more usual figure of around 1300 A& E patients a week, and represents 55 per cent of the number seen at the Monklands department in the equivalent week of 2019.

Emergency department consultant Dr Fiona Hunter told the Advertiser: “If you or anyone you know is seriously unwell, please be reassured the emergency department at University Hospital Monklands is open.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have been open and treating all patients who present with an acute problem – if you have urgent health concerns, the NHS is open and you should seek help promptly.”

Dr Hunter added that new measures and precautions have been put in place to protect patients arriving at the department and to aid social distancing.

She said: “We have developed areas within our emergency department for patients who have symptoms of coronavirus, and in addition we have areas for patients who have no coronavirus symptoms. There are separate entrances for each.

“In response to the coronavirus outbreak, we are trying to limit the number of people in our waiting room to maintain social distancing; this is to protect patients, relatives and staff.

“Only in exceptional circumstances will anyone be allowed to accompany an adult patient.

“Should you need to attend the emergency department and you are shielding, please inform reception staff upon your arrival.”

The total number of attendances at the Monklands emergency department in March was 4239 – the lowest of the past 15 months recorded on the NHS Performs website and just two-thirds of the number seen in the busiest month of that time, the 6312 patients seen in an unseasonably busy August last year.

Patient numbers have risen slightly this week across NHS Lanarkshire’s three emergency departments, with the combined total of 2459 attendances being the highest since the week of March 15, the last before the current restrictions were first introduced.

Chief executive Calum Campbell had this week emphasised that “NHS Lanarkshire is open and it is safe”, as part of a national campaign urging people to ensure they seek help for health issues not related to coronavirus.

He said: “We have had to change how we deliver services and your appointments may feel a bit different – these may now be phone calls or video consultations – but if people need to be seen face to face, then it will still happen.

“Our accident and emergency departments are open and our immunisation programmes are continuing as normal.

“If you are concerned about a potential cancer sign or symptom, don’t delay contacting your GP practice. It’s best to get checked, as the earlier cancer is found the easier it is to treat.

“We want to hear from anyone who has an urgent medical problem.”