03 January 2020
Patients urged to use NHS services wisely following high demand for emergency care services
Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South
Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are urging patients to use the right NHS
service for their needs, following high levels of demand for local
urgent and emergency care services.
Health and care services in the area are experiencing
significant pressures following the Christmas and New Year period
and the NHS and local authorities are working together to manage
demand and ensure patients continue to receive safe and effective
care.
Patients can help to reduce pressure by using the most
appropriate NHS service for their needs and helping loved ones in
hospital to return home as soon as they are fit for
discharge.
Local GP practices, minor injuries units, pharmacies and
NHS111 are all open and available to help with non-emergency
conditions.
Local GP and CCG Clinical Lead for Primary Care, Dr Martin
Jones said: "Over the festive season our healthcare system has been
incredibly busy, with a particularly high number of attendances and
admissions into our A&E departments.
"We have well-rehearsed plans in place to manage this
demand but we expect the pressures to continue over the weekend and
we're asking the public to help us by using the right services for
their needs and using A&E for serious or life-threatening
conditions only.
"There is a wide range of alternatives to A&E for
non-emergency conditions available in the community, ranging from
GPs to pharmacists and minor injuries units and if you need help
urgently but aren't sure where to go, you can also contact NHS 111
for immediate advice and guidance.
"Above all please remember that if you're feeling
under the weather or have a minor injury, A&E is not
necessarily the place for you and you may experience a long wait.
In these cases please contact your GP, visit your minor injury unit
or contact NHS 111.
"We're also asking people who have loved ones in hospital
to support them to return home as soon as they are fit for
discharge. Prompt discharge is always better for patients, and
helps to relieve pressure on our busy hospitals."
Alternatives to A&E
NHS 111 is for people
who urgently need medical help or advice, but it's not a
life-threatening situation. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week and can be accessed online or by phone. The service can book
an appointment for patients to see a GP out of hours if clinically
appropriate.
Minor injuries units and urgent care
centres are available at South Bristol
Community Hospital, Clevedon and Yate offering fast, local
treatment of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and broken
bones, without a trip to A&E. They are available from 8am to
8pm (8.30pm for Clevedon unit), seven days a week. Go to 111, by
phone or online, or see
www.bnssgccg.nhs.uk for details.
The Walk-In Centre at
59 Broadmead offers similar services to minor injuries units
and can also help with minor illnesses and emergency contraception
and advice. It's open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday (11am - 7pm on
Sundays).
GP practices are open
throughout Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and
you can now also book appointments on weekday evenings as well as
during weekends - speak to your local practice for
details.
Pharmacists can advise
on very minor ailments and conditions and can also provide help
with managing long-term conditions. Many have confidential
consultation rooms.
More information on local services is available at
www.bnssgccg.nhs.uk
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