COUNTY A&E departments are currently under ‘extreme pressure’ due to a high patient numbers.
Worcestershire’s three NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups- NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest- are urging the public to choose alternative services where appropriate.
Patients are being encouraged to contact their own GP during surgery hours, visit their local pharmacist or dial 111 for advice and support.
A wide range of minor injuries do not require a visit to A&E, such as cuts, wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns and can also be treated at Minor Injury Units at Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern and Tenbury.
Mari Gay, chief operating officer for the Worcestershire CCGs, said: “Our A&E departments are currently very busy, so it is important that patients stop and think: does this injury or illness really require attendance at A&E?
“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 also put lives at risk.”
Visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/our-services/minor-injuries-units to find out the opening hours of your local Minor Injury Unit.
