The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is urging people to choose wisely if they need to use health services over Easter. A&E doctors at University Hospital, Walsgrave have faced spiralling numbers of patients in recent months. And health chiefs are keen to keep the traditional Bank Holiday surge to a minimum as the unit is now a major trauma centre, dealing with more life-threatening illnesses and injuries from much of the Midlands.
The NHS advises patients to use GPs, pharmacies, the Coventry walk-on centre or telephone health lines wherever possible to ease the burden on the A&E unit. It comes after figures revealed that in 2010 to 2011, approximately 65,000 people who attended A&E in the county were sent away without requiring any treatment, at a cost of about £3.4m.
Martin Lee, medical director at the NHS Arden Cluster, said there were lots of services to help patients but knowing where to get seek treatment could be confusing. NHS Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire is warning people to “Choose Well” and to be aware of the health services available in the county to avoid putting additional pressure on hospitals. A&E departments are only for the most urgent care, including serious accidents or medical emergencies.
Dr Darin Seiger, chairman of Nene Commissioning, said, “We know that the Easter holidays are traditionally a busy time for the health service, and we need to ensure that people make themselves aware of the alternative services that are available. If you use the right service, this will not only save you time but also ensure that the busy staff at A&E can concentrate on treating the most serious cases. In most instances, there are a range of alternative services you could use, from minor injury units to walk in centers, GPs and pharmacies, that may suit your needs better.”
Cuts, bruises, bumps and grazes are some of the most common occurrences when children are off school and most can be treated by self-care, an NHS spokesman said. Advice is available from NHS Direct, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0845 46 47.
Alternatively Corby Minor Injuries Unit, based at the Willowbrook Health Complex, in Cottingham Road is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays. For after-hours care the Northamptonshire Out of Hours Service is available on 03336 664 664 between 6.30pm and 8am on weekdays and 24 hours a day at weekends.
According to experts at NHS Yorkshire and Humber more people should make the most of the Easter holidays and get outside. They are encouraging people to have fun and get active in a bid to stay healthy. The activities could range from taking a walk, a healthy picnic, a swim and a walk around a local museum.
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