Do your bit to help our NHS
WE know that winter will see an increase in the number of people who will need medical attention and many will think about going to A&E; this year we have to be extra careful not to over burden the emergency health services.
If people need urgent medical attention, please go to A&E; if you can get assistance from another branch of the health service please do so. Please do not go to A&E if you have something like toothache – let us all pull together to make life easier for the NHS Emergency staff.
Across Wales, health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Service are seeing a return of prelockdown behaviour and demand for services. In anticipation of what will be a uniquely challenging winter with the added effects of Covid-19, people are being asked to help protect vital services for those in most need by accessing alternative services rather than their Emergency Department when their complaint is neither life-threatening nor serious. Welsh health boards are reporting that around 20% to 30% of patients who present at Emergency Departments could be better treated elsewhere or in a different way.
As part of the Protect the NHS drive, people are being advised to order prescriptions seven days before they’re due; use their local NHS pharmacy and GP service for minor illnesses or injuries, visit the 111/NHS Direct Wales website or phone them for free health advice through online symptom checkers for minor ailments.
People should still attend hospitals when asked to do so to continue or review their treatment. Hospitals have taken a range of appropriate measures to keep people safe, including treating people with Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19 in separate areas to those who do not have the virus to prevent the risk of it spreading.
People are also reminded that if they have Covid symptoms not to go to their pharmacy, GP or local Emergency Department, but instead book a test through 119 and call 111 if symptoms persist or they can no longer cope at home.
It is important that our Emergency Departments and emergency ambulances are kept for those who are in a life-threatening or serious condition. Even more so now we have reduced space to ensure social distancing, not just for patients but for staff also. If someone has a health complaint that is worrying them and won’t go away, they can contact their pharmacy, opticians, contact the 111 website or phone service, local surgery or health centre to be assessed. Please save our Emergency Departments for those with serious complaints such as severe bleeding and burns, strokes, heart attacks or loss of consciousness. MIKE HEDGES MS
Swansea East
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