Online help for patients
WEBSITE SHOWS HOSPITAL WAITING TIMES
Reporter PEOPLE going to emergency care units can now see at a glance how long the current waiting times are – and how many other people are waiting to be treated.
The Gateshead Health NHS trust has launched a live section on its website giving up-to-the-minute information on waiting times at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre.
The dedicated webpage has been designed to help patients understand how long they may need to wait before being seen.
The trust says it also hopes the new feature will give sick and injured people a better understanding of what might be the best option for them.
It is hoped it may prompt people with non-urgent illnesses to think twice before coming inside.
A spokesperson for QE Gateshead said: “We have introduced live waiting times on our website to help patients get an idea of how long they may need to wait before being seen and get a better understanding of what might be the best option for them if they have less serious issues.
“The waiting times are updated in real time from the hospital system so people will be able to see the current waiting times before they get here and are designed to provide real time updates from our urgent services.
“The website provides updates from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but also the Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre which provides a walk in service for patients with minor injuries and illnesses.
“Please remember that the emergency services are always very busy and you should only come to the Emergency Care Centre if you need urgent medical attention.
“If you have a less serious problem then there are a lot of alternative ways of being seen more quickly such as NHS 111 or by visiting your local pharmacy.”