Medics issue A&E warning
Health bosses are pleading with people to consider alternatives to attending A&E as medics report a spike in people attending
Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says it is seeing more and more people coming to A&E with a high proportion being treated for non-urgent issues.
The health board is now reminding Buddies that they should only attend the emergency department if their condition is life-threatening.
Instead, they should use one of three alternative services which can provide urgent treatment outwith the hospital.
These include looking at the NHS Inform website for advice on common ailments or speaking to a pharmacist who can offer medications and treatment solutions.
People can also call their GP who will be able to help anyone with an urgent health concern that isn’t life threatening.
The final step is to call NHS24 on 111 outwith normal GP Hours.
The helpline can provide advice on a full range of injuries and illnesses as well as refer people on to a virtual A&E clinic which provides access to telephone and video emergency consultations from the comfort of home.
Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for acute services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:“Services remain under pressure, and I would like to thank staff for their dedicated hard work through challenging circumstances.
“We want to ensure that patients can be treated as quickly and effectively as possible, and that often is not at the emergency department.
“Local pharmacies can assist with several health-related issues, as well as your GP and our minor injuries units.
“If patients can utilise access to the most appropriate care pathway, it will help reduce waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity.
“However, if you believe your condition is urgent or life threatening, you should immediately call 999 or attend one of our A&E departments.”
Last week the Express revealed how hundreds of people are regularly waiting between four and eight hours to be seen at the RAH every week.
In the week to Sunday, March 3, just over half (55 per cent) of all those who attended the RAH were seen within the Scottish Government target time of four hours; the week before that fell to 49.9 per cent.
People are also being urged to pick their loved ones up from hospital as soon as they are discharged in order to speed up patient flow through the hospital.
For more information on A&E alternatives, see https://www. nhsggc.scot/your-health/ right-care-right-place/.