‘Keep A&E free’ plea as NHS on black alert
SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk hospitals are working in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant to promote organ donation to staff, patients and visitors.
The doors to the main lifts have been covered with promotional messages urging people to sign up to become donors.
There are currently 23 people in West Lancashire and 172 in Merseyside who need a lifesaving organ transplant.
The hospital trust is promoting organ donation – in both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals – with the aim of making people think about it while waiting for the lift and then go on to register.
This would open the door to more people getting the transplants they need.
During the past decade, people in West Lancashire and Merseyside have had their lives saved or transformed thanks to deceased organ donors from around the UK.
But three people a day still die while in need of a transplant because of the shortage of people willing to donate organs.
Research shows that tight out of 10 people agree that it is important to tell those closest to them their views about organ donation after death, but only a third say their family knows their wishes.
Laurence Frys, specialist nurse for organ donation at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Organ donation saves lives and one organ donor can save or transform up to nine lives and even more by donating tissue as well.
“I know that more families agree to donation if they know their loved one was on the Organ Donor Register.
“Save your family from having to guess what you would have wanted.
“Join the NHS Organ Donor Register and let your family know your decision.
“One day it could be someone you love in need of a transplant.”
Dr Andrew Kent, clinical lead for organ donation at Southport Hospital, added: “We are delighted to be promoting organ donation on the doors of the lifts within the hospitals.
“Transplants save lives and are only possible if people are willing to donate.
“Every single hospital in the UK will be in a town or city where there are patients waiting for a transplant and we hope this initiative will prompt our employees, patients and visitors to the hospital to think about organ donation and to commit to save lives as a donor by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.”
Sign up at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and let your friends and family know you want to help others after your death.
For further information please contact 0300 1232323.
PEOPLE are being urged to think twice before using A&E and keep it free for the seriously ill and injured as the NHS goes on “black alert”.
Bans have been placed on some surgery and long waits in some hospital A&E departments aroudn the country.
Non-urgent inpatient elective care has been deferred until January 31.
Prof Keith Willett, director for acute care at NHS England, acknowledged the delay to planned operations and routine outpatient appointments until the end of the month due to severe winter pressures was “not ideal” for patients but insisted the health service had entered the winter period “in a way that we’ve never prepared before”.
Prof Willett told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the NHS was “better prepared” and clear recommendations were being implemented.
Winter is the busiest time for NHS hospitals all over the country, particularly for A&E.
Often patients in these departments have multiple health problems, longer stays in hospital and need substantial support at home to be safely discharged.
Therese Patten, chief operating officer at Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust, said: “The seriously ill and injured are our priority but we continue seeing patients with minor illnesses and injuries that could be dealt with elsewhere.
“Cuts, bruises, sprains, coughs and colds are not normally emergencies.
“They can usually be treated at home with help from a pharmacist, by a GP or in a NHS walk-in centre.
“A&E is for people with medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and serious illnesses and injuries.
“Patients with conditions like these will always come first, which means less serious cases may wait longer.”
She added: “We’re fortunate to have a brilliant, dedicated team here at Southport and Ormskirk.
“That’s why I’m asking: examine your options and keep A&E free for the seriously ill and injured. It could be you or your family who need our team’s help in an emergency one day.” Where to get help and advice
Pharmacists: They’re experts in medicines and advise on common problems, such as coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking. They can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
Family doctor: A GP or a GP out of hours service will help with injuries or illnesses that won’t go away.
NHS walk-in centres: For people needing urgent help with minor illnesses or injuries no appointment is necessary at a walk-in centre.
West Lancashire Health Centre at Ormskirk hospital is open from 8am to 7.30pm all year.
Skelmersdale NHS Walk-in Centre at The Concourse is open from 8am to 7.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
By phone: NHS 111 is the NHS nonemergency number – fast, easy and free.
Call 111 and speak to a trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals.
They will ask questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
Online: Visit NHS Choices or, for NHS services in Sefton and West Lancs go to the Examine Your Options website.