Health chief calls on public to help ease pressure on A&E
A GREATER Manchester NHS chief issued a public statement as hospitals across the region face huge pressures and long waits at A&E.
People are being urged to think twice about attending accident and emergency departments as waiting times hit as long as 11 hours in some areas.
The warnings come amid junior doctors’ six days of strike action, at one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS as it grapples with increased pressure from winter viruses and a rise in people coming forward who delayed seeking help over the holidays.
The NHS has warned that the strike could lead to ‘the most difficult start to the year the NHS has ever faced.’
Mark Fisher, chief executive at NHS Greater Manchester, said the strike action is having ‘a significant impact on all services’ and that services
across the region were seeing high demand, with A&E ‘extremely busy.’
He again warned that the department should only be attended in the cases of ‘serious accidents and emergencies’
Mr Fisher said: “The first week in January is always extremely busy across the NHS and social care and strike action is also having a significant impact on all services.
“Although we have planned for all this thoroughly, it is a very challenging time for the health service. It’s winter, so there are lots of sick people in our care and we are also seeing the effects of viruses such as flu and other respiratory illnesses and sickness bugs.
“People also come forward for help in higher numbers as things start to return to normal following Christmas, New Year, and the festive period. We are working hard to maintain safe services for patients and reduce pressures as quickly as possible.
“The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. But if you need help, you must come forward.”