A&E is NOT for minor ailments
Think pharmacy, GP and 111 first!
NHS teams across the region are calling on everyone to help #DoYourBit as hospitals, GPs and paramedics try to manage another surge of pressure on vital services.
NHS teams – across hospitals and GP practices – still face challenges such as reduced space in hospital treatment areas and surgeries because of the need to follow strict infection control measures to ensure patients and staff continue to be safe.
What can you do to help?
To help cope with these pressures and ensure the people who need care the most can get it the NHS is asking people to:
- Think GP, NHS 111 online or pharmacy first before coming to A&E or calling 111 or 999
- If you suspect you have Covid-19 stay at home and get a test by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website. You cannot access testing through A&E or GP surgeries
- Get your second vaccination and booster jab as soon as you are eligible
- Understand that you may not be seen in the same way as before the pandemic. Virtual or telephone appointments are often more appropriate
- If you are visiting any of our healthcare settings, please remember to wear a face covering, use our handwashing and alcohol gel facilities
- Please attend appointments on your own, where possible, to limit the number of people on site and reduce the risk of infection to other patients and NHS staff
- Please keep your hospital, clinic or GP appointment. If you can’t make it, let us know so we can offer that appointment to others
- Be kind – all our staff are doing their best to look after you, please be patient