Nhspressure

Your report “Hospital alert as Scotland enters 'worst case scenario’” (7 January), repeats, without in any way questioning, what we have all been hearing about A&E departments being overwhelmed, inferring that selfish/irresponsible people turn up at their doors demanding attention to which they are not entitled.

Dr Scott Davidson, deputy medical director for acute services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is quoted as saying: “We continue to see large numbers of people attending with symptoms that could be managed by speaking to a GP, local pharmacy or by calling 111 before attending A&E".

Jackie Baillie and other MSPS pointed out the problems associated with this glib advice but perhaps I might offer other suggestions.

First, allow pharmacists to give patients with non-emergency but painful conditions like abscesses or minor infections, medication which, at the moment, can only be prescribed by Gps.then/or open weekend GP surgeries, manned on a rota basis by locum doctors, who might refer patients with sprains or fractures to the nearest minor surgery unit, which, of course, would have to be open. Advertising the whereabouts of these minor surgery units would be helpful, too.

The problem patients experience at the moment, especially at weekends and after hours, is that such facilities are not available to them, so, in pain or distress they turn up at A&E departments.

Most people don't want to wait four-plus hours in A&E departments. They just want to be treated.

LOVINA ROE Perth, Perth and Kinross