A&E public warning

Health chiefs have urged patients to “stop and think” before turning up at casualty departments.

The stark call came as A&E departments recorded their worst waiting time figures on record this week, with the lowest-ever percentage of people being admitted, transferred or discharged within the target time of four hours.

And more people than ever waited longer than four, eight and 12 hours. Bosses in Ayrshire admit their services are under pressure due to staff absences, high demand, delayed discharges and patients staying longer in hospital.

Now they are asking the public to consider alternative care.

Joanne Edwards, director of acute services at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: “We are asking members of the public to stop, think, and ask, ‘Is it an emergency?’ If it is an emergency, come straight to the emergency department or call 999.

“If it’s not an emergency, call NHS24 on 111 and you will be assessed over the telephone and referred to the right healthcare professional.”