Children’s hospital urges parents to consider alternatives to A&E as cases hit record high
STAFF at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children are asking parents to consider alternatives before bringing their child to A&E.
The hospital is currently dealing with a record number of cases – with 306 on November 14 alone.
Figures have shown a spike in hospital attendance, with a high proportion of those seen being children with non-urgent issues.
On average, 252 children attended the A&E department each day last week, and although November to January is traditionally a busy period for the NHS, this was 25 per cent higher than this year’s average.
Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for acute services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: “Our staff are working around the clock to ensure the best level of care for our patients.
“Parents and children have access to a range of alternative services that can help reduce the waiting times for the sickest of patients and free up capacity.”
The health board is
encouraging parents to ensure their child’s visit is essential and consider if an alternative means of care would be more appropriate than A&E.
Jamie Redfern, director of women and children’s services at NHSGGC, said: “A record number of 306 children presented at the RHC on Monday
November 14, which highlights the pressures the A&E department is facing.
“The figures show an increase in recent weeks and to try and accommodate this, we would ask parents to think if a visit to A&E is required.
“Unless it is an emergency or lifethreatening, there are a number of alternative services that should be accessed first, including contacting your local pharmacy, GP, NHS24, NHS information or 111.
“We also have access to emergency care consultations from the comfort of home through our virtual A&E service, where parents can be given appointments for their children at our minor injuries units. This assists in reducing waiting times and queues at physical A&E.”