1 April 2008
Doctors at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust are reminding patients to only use the hospital's two Accident & Emergency (A&E) department if they have an emergency or accident. Their message comes in the run up to the bank holiday periods, some of the busiest times for A&E departments.
"It would help us immensely if people continued to use our A&E services responsibly, allowing us to concentrate our staff and resources on patients who need hospital services," said Medical Director Dr Lindy Steven.
"Most people using A&E genuinely need its services and are suffering a life threatening or real emergency to their health. However, there are also people who present themselves to A&E because they are feeling mildly unwell, have a cough, cold, a minor cut or other everyday ailments. If you are suffering with these symptoms then you should see your GP or contact your local GP out-of-hours service. NHS Direct is also available 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 and local pharmacists can often help with everyday health problems."
Each month over 10,000 patients attend the A&E department at St Helier and Epsom hospitals and close to one in five need to be admitted to a ward. Dr Steven added: "If we all remember this and help ease the pressure, it will make a huge difference in our hospitals. It will also reduce the time that people have to wait to be seen and treated."
Patients should use the simple guide below to make an informed decision about where they should go to seek treatment.
Self-care
A well stocked medicine cabinet will help you with many common illnesses
Pharmacist
From sprains to stomach upsets, your local pharmacist is qualified to give expert advice without an appointment
NHS Direct
Call 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 for free expert health advice and reassurance
NHS Direct online
Visit NHS Direct Online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for health advice and information for you and your family
NHS Walk-in Centre
See an experienced nurse for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses, seven days a week, early 'til late
GP's surgery
For jabs, prescriptions, medical advice and care, call for an appointment with your GP or practice nurse
A&E/999
Call 999 or visit A&E for emergencies such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious accidents or loss of blood
Examples of when A&E should not be used include:
- Coughs and colds - most people would be best just to stay at home or see their local pharmacist;
- Old injuries or joint problems - are best seen by your GP, at least initially;
- Queries about medication - these are best dealt with by your GP;
- Toothache - you need to be seen by a dentist. Please use NHS Direct, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk to assess you needs;
- Trying to use A&E to get a 'second opinion' rather than using the GP service;
- Relatives of patients who book in because they might as well as they are waiting anyway;
- Patients who book in to A&E because they can't get a GP appointment until the next day.
Dr Steven added: "Hospital A&E services are designed for patients with emergency medical or surgical problems, or who have been involved in accidents. If the public do their bit to help ease the pressure, it will make a huge difference in our hospitals."
