News Do you really need to go to A&E?
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are urging people to stop and think before they dash to the accident and emergency department over the Christmas and New Year period.
Accident and Emergency Consultant Mike Hockey, lead accident and emergency clinician for the Trust, said: "I would ask people to think very carefully about whether their injury or illness really is an accident or an emergency, as for many people there are alternatives to attending A and E that can help them get the right treatment more easily and quickly.
"Some people think that because we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, that they will be seen more quickly but all patients are triaged (assessed) and those people who have a minor illness or injury will have to wait until patients who are more seriously ill or injured are seen first."
Mr Hockey also stressed that people should not go to the hospital with minor ailments such as coughs and colds and should seek advice from a pharmacist instead.
He said: "A and E is not an alternative to your GP. It is not appropriate to go to A and E simply because your doctor cannot see you immediately. GPs are experts in general medical problems whereas A and E doctors are specialists in treating emergency patients who have had an accident or are suffering from a serious/life-threatening illness.
"When it comes to your health, or the health of someone in your family, it is often very obvious if the person is seriously ill and needs emergency care.
"You should seek medical attention by phoning 999 for an emergency ambulance."
Mr Hockey also stressed that the best way people can prepare for the winter is to have a small supply of a few simple remedies in their home medicine chest, such as paracetamol, aromatic inhalations, rehydration solutions such as dioralyte and a selection of plasters and bandages.
Published on 20th December 2007 in News.
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