Parents told to consider alternatives to A&E
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.”