Health chief's plea — emergencies only
Tayside residents have been urged not to attend accident and emergency departments unless they have a genuine emergency.
- By Alan Wilson
- Published in the Courier : 21.12.10
- Published online : 25.12.10 @ 07.05am
NHS Tayside is appealing for people to save their A&E for the real thing only after a surge in people attending for treatment over the last weekend.
The authority said people should make sure they know where to get the right treatment — at the right place, at the right time — during the festive season.
Traditionally A&E departments see a surge in attendances over holiday periods when GP surgeries are closed.
At Ninewells Hospital over the weekend doctors dealt with 24 hours' worth of patients in just half that time.
However, one in three who visit could receive treatment more appropriately by accessing a different service.
This can put extra pressure on staff who might be needed for a real emergency.
A&E consultant Dr Shobhan Thakore said, "Over the holiday period A&E can be very busy.
"We need to make sure that we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care.
"Members of the public have always recognised that A&E is for those with genuine emergencies, however they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed.
"This sometimes leads to them attending A&E only for us to have to explain that we cannot help.
"This is frustrating for them and diverts us from other patients.
"With some minor illnesses and injuries it is not always necessary to see a doctor or nurse.
"Helpful advice can be given by pharmacists and NHS 24.
NHS 24
"However, if you feel you need to see a doctor or nurse but your GP is closed and you don't think it is an A&E problem, please phone NHS 24.
"They can give advice and, if necessary, put you in contact with the out-of-hours service."
Dr Thakore added that the number of slips, falls and broken bones was at its highest since the Arctic weather began.
"We certainly had a busy weekend. We saw 24 hours' worth of patients during the day on Saturday. Overall we're about 30% up and that was just down to the conditions."
He said Sunday also started busily as fresh snow covered treacherous walkways.
Over Christmas and new year GP surgeries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27 and 28, along with closures on January 1, 2, 3 and 4.
NHS Tayside said during this time there are alternative places to get help, should it be needed.
When a GP surgery is closed or advice on self care is needed call NHS 24 on 08454 242424.
If someone needs to be seen either a home visit will be arranged or you will be directed to the nearest Primary Care Emergency Centre (PCEC) or nurse-led Minor Injury and Illness Unit (MIIU).
Additionally, some pharmacies will be open over Christmas and New Year, details of which can be found in The Courier.
Top tips for the right treatment:
- When your GP surgery is closed, and you're too ill to wait until it re-opens, access appropriate out-of-hours services (including a nurse or GP) through NHS 24.
- Your local PCEC out-of-hours service works with NHS 24 to make sure urgent medical advice and care is always available to you.
- If you live in a rural area and have a minor illness like flu or earache or a cut, minor burn or sprain, turn to your MIIU or NHS 24.
- Your local pharmacist can provide a whole range of services including free advice, support and guidance on all your health problems.
- Avoid a crisis — be prepared and buy essentials now. A pharmacist can advise you on a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
- Find out about your local health services and get advice online at www.nhsinform.co.uk.
04.11pm - 27.12.2010 Mary Molineaux - Dundee, UK Report This
The A+E department at Ninewells is one of the best staffed and funded in the UK. It regularly however turns away patients who THEY deem to not be an emergency...surely if the patient feels it is an emergency for them, they can and should A+E...we are all tax payers afterall paying these doctors!
09.52pm - 28.12.2010 C Smith - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I agree with the previous comment. I know of several people who HAVE been in an emergency, but who have been told to leave a+e. This seems to be especially prevelant amongst those who have self injured.
12.17pm - 29.12.2010 G Gibbon - Dundee, UK Report This
The A+E department should be forced to see ANYONE who attends and feels they have an emergency - just bouncing them away and asking them to see someone else creates more work for other hard pressed areas of the NHS! If people feel they have an emergency they should be free to access A+E!
11.37pm - 29.12.2010 DBM - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I know of people who have been advised by NHS 24 and out of hours to attend A&E Ninewells only to be told to leave when in need of A&E treatment in a vulnerable state, putting the peoples lives and health at risk. The article has facts and figures which I find misleading and meaningless.
07.14pm - 30.12.2010 DDS - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I voluntarily work with individuals in Dundee with mental health issues and who have self harmed and who have been turned away their having contacted NHS 24 and been advised to attend Ninewells A&E. Indeed I was turned away in 2005 when I was actively suicidal with a plan and was turned away.
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