Health boss: Please don’t let coronavirus stop you from getting checked for serious illnesses
People across Renfrewshire are being reminded the NHS is still open for all health worries – despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Bosses at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which covers Renfrewshire, are calling for patients to continue using the health service as they normally would.
It comes following a marked reduction in Urgent Suspicion of Cancer (USOC) referrals from GPs – potentially due to anxiety around Covid-19 causing less people to seek medical attention.
They are also concerned that a decrease in the number of people seeking urgent non-Covid-19 medical attention at emergency departments and minor injuries units marks a change in public attitude towards seeking medical care.
Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for acute at NHSGGC, said:“We understand the Covid-19 pandemic may have made people anxious about accessing healthcare services in the same manner they would previously have done. However, we cannot stress enough that capacity for urgent care remains in place.
“It’s crucial that if people have symptoms that are of significant concern and may reflect an underlying serious illness such as cancer, that they are assessed as quickly as is possible.
“While the method of delivery may have changed, across acute, we are working closely with primary care colleagues to ensure patients are managed appropriately and efficiently as normal.
“Any changes to service we have made, as always, are underpinned by person-centred care, and patient safety and wellbeing are our utmost priorities.
“The sooner you are able to be assessed, the sooner we can put you on the appropriate care pathway.”
As part of contingency planning, there is still space in the health service to make sure other treatments can be maintained in primary care and acute settings across the health board.
Any patient who needs urgent hospital care will be safely assessed and cared for through emergency departments and minor injuries units. People should also continue to contact their GP as normal to discuss any non-Covid-19 concerns they may have as all surgeries remain open.
GPs are initially assessing patients over the phone who they can talk to about symptoms. If required, a follow up video consultation or face-to-face appointment will take place at their practice.
In case of a medical emergency, people should not delay in contacting 999 for assistance.
Patients suspected of having cancer should rest assured if they are referred on to the hospital that specialist teams will arrange assessment for them as quickly as possible.
Every precaution has also been taken to shield patients from Covid-19. If they need to visit hospital, staff will work with them to provide specific times to attend to keep them away and safe from other patients.
Transport can also be provided.