ACCIDENT and Emergency departments at the Alexandra Hospital and the Worcestershire Royal are currently under extreme pressure due to the large numbers of patients attending, say health chiefs.
The announcement comes after days of freezing weather and this morning’s fog which will affect those with breathing problems.
Last week we received reports of 28 patients waiting on trolleys in A&E at Worcestershire Royal last Sunday with ambulances queuing up to get in and triage assessment nurses in tears at the number of patients.
Now doctors from Redditch and Bromsgrove clinical commissioning group (CCG) are urging the public during this busy time to understand what options are available to them and to choose alternative services to A&E where it is appropriate to do so.
Patients are being encouraged to contact their own GP, visit their local pharmacist or dial NHS 111 for advice and support about alternative services, such as the Minor Injury Unit in Bromsgrove, which is situated off the Stourbridge Road on the site of the old Bromsgrove General Hospital.
Mari Gay, interim chief officer for the Worcestershire CCGs, said: “Our A&E departments are currently extremely busy. Many minor health problems and complaints such as muscular, minor sports injuries can be solved with self-care. Unnecessary trips to A&E not only put a strain on NHS resources, but can also compromise care for those needing urgent accident and emergency care.
“Patients with a wide range of minor injuries which do not require a visit to A&E (such as cuts, wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns) can also be treated at Minor Injury Units.”
To find out the opening hours of your local Minor Injury Unit visit:http://www.hacw.nhs.uk/our-services/minor-injuries-units/
Doctors are also urging people to remember that A&E is for emergency and life-threatening conditions only.
Below is a list of health care options available across Worcestershire, which could offer more appropriate and quicker treatment:
Self-care
Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Your local community Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.
NHS 111
Call NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast, free medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.
GP services
GPs can help you with many health problems and complaints and can provide a wide range of family health services. Contact your GP for an appointment before attending A&E. If you are not registered with a GP visit www.nhs.uk to find a surgery in your area.
Minor Injury Units
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns. Waiting times are on average 20 minutes.
Bromsgrove – Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB
