Public are encourgaed to follow NHS advice

DAVID Eltringham, chief operating officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, said: “Nationally, A&E attendances are increasing and during periods of high demand, we do face pressures within our emergency department.

“In addition, there has been a national increase in the numbers of patients needing certain elective procedures over recent years, and this also is reflected in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“As a result, waiting times for some elective procedures have increased, and we are working hard to address this.

“We continue to work closely with our local Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure emergencies are prioritised and that patients receive the urgent care they need.

“We would encourage the public to follow NHS advice which includes choosing pharmacies and NHS 111 if you need to get treatment or advice about minor ailments such as colds, coughs, sore throats, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises.

“Attending A&E or calling 999 should be used in a critical or lifethreatening situation. If you are not sure and need help or advice call NHS 111.”

A spokesman from South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Trust are delighted to have achieved the 85 per cent 62 day cancer treatment target for 2016/17.

“Demand for cancer services has increased year on year and recognising this the Trust put in place a number of improvements to help us reach this important target.

“As expected there have been monthly fluctuations but meeting the overall target for the year demonstrates the positive steps that have been taken. We will also be increasing capacity with a new dedicated cancer unit opening at Stratford Hospital in summer 2017.

“This specialist facility will have 12 chemotherapy chairs and two treatment rooms, further supporting us to provide high quality cancer care for our local communities.”