Patients urged to choose right service
Health bosses are urging patients in Sunderland to choose the right services as the hospital comes under increasing pressure.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is appealing for the public’s support in dealing with a rise in people accessing emergency care as the summer months come to an end.
The Trust said it is experiencing higher numbers of very ill patients in its emergency department at Sunderland Royal Hospital and is urging people to only go to hospital if they have a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
Dr Sean Fenwick, Director of Operations for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are still seeing large numbers of people attending our emergency departments at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital who should be using other services as they do not require urgent treatment.”
Health bosses say selfcare and visiting a pharmacist are options in the first instance for ailments which are common at this time of year, such as coughs and colds, upset stomachs and general aches and pains.
The trust said GPs are providing more convenient appointment times for patients outside the standard working day.
Residents are also being reminded that if they are in any doubt about an illness or symptoms the NHS 111 number is available 24/7 for expert medical advice.
Many minor ailments can be treated at home with overthe-counter medicines.