Local NHS urges the community to ask itself ‘Is A&E for me?’
Local health and care commissioners are asking the public to stop and think – is A&E for me?
Of the people that go to local A&E services and have been assessed, it is clear that around a quarter of these could have accessed more appropriate treatment either at a GP, pharmacy or cared for their illness themselves at home.
A&E provides treatment for serious, life-threatening conditions and NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group is asking people, who are injured or unwell and on their way to A&E, to ask themselves an important question. ‘Is it a real emergency?’
Dr Andrew Phillips, a local GP and Medical Director at the CCG, said: “It is important that everyone knows the right time to head to A&E.
“Unnecessary trips, with conditions that could be treated by a pharmacist, or GP, or simply by resting at home, place high demand on the service.
“Whilst people who need immediate, life-saving treatment will be our priority, those with serious conditions that are not so critical may have to wait a bit longer so it’s important to only go A&E only if it is absolutely necessary.
“This is why the highly specialised NHS 111service is so important, as it helps people to make the right choice and receive the most appropriate treatment.
“Advice from NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
“So, if you don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call or even if you need health advice and reassurance about what to do next, if it is not a 999 emergency, I urge the community to call 111.”
