Play your part to help out A&E
Hospital chiefs in Sunderland are calling on residents not to add to the pressure on emergency departments over the Bank Holiday weekend.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is asking people to ensure they use the ‘right’ NHS services if they have a medical issue and stock up on essentials, including painkillers, plasters, indigestion remedies and antidiarrhoea medicine.
The plea comes as the weather forecast predicts a sunny and warm weekend and into the school halfterm holiday.
Dr Shaz Wahid, the Trust’s executive medical director, said: “We know people will be looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend, stay as safe as possible and turn to the right place if they do need the help of the NHS.
“The emergency departments at our hospitals are always busy, more so during Bank Holidays, and want to make sure our teams are not under even more pressure and this will help them deal with those patients who are
most seriously ill.”
He added: “We can all play a part in doing this.
“It’s also always a good idea to have a well-stocked first aid cabinet and prepare for those conditions if you’re outdoors.
"Sun cream and plenty of drinks is really important this time of year.
“We want people to have a good time but if you are enjoying an alcoholic drink or two, please do it sensibly and take care of yourself and anyone you’re with.”
GP surgeries will be closed until Tuesday but some local pharmacies will be open over the weekend and a list of them is online.
Online help and advice
is available 24/7 via NHS 111.
Anyone who needs emergency care should still call 999 or go to their nearest emergency unit – but only if someone has a serious, lifethreatening emergency.
These include: Signs of a heart attack – chest pain, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest; signs of a stroke – face dropping on one side, unable to hold both arms up and difficulty speaking; sudden confusion (delirium); severe difficulty breathing; choking; heavy bleeding; severe injuries after a serious accident or assault; a seizure; sudden, rapid swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue.