The number of patients attending A&E in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham is on the rise – and local health bosses are urging the public to choose the correct service to help ease pressures.
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG and Nottingham University Hospitals Trust are advising patients to call 111, or use the 111 service online, if they unsure which service they need to use, rather than going straight to A&E.
The public are also reminded that Nottingham and Newark’s Urgent Treatment Centres are able to treat many of the same illnesses which patients attend A&E with.
Dr James Hopkinson, joint clinical leader at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “With the number of people attending A&E rising I would urge the public to think very carefully about whether attending emergency departments is the best option, especially when we still need to factor in social distancing between patients.
“If you are unsure about which service you need always use 111 online or call 111 first and an adviser will guide you on the best options. We have fantastic facilities at the Urgent Treatment Centre on London Road and the Newark Urgent Care Centre and the clinicians at both centres are able to treat many of the same illnesses which are presented at A&E.
“These include minor burns and scolds, head injury without loss of consciousness, skin infections, bites and suspected broken bones, strains and eye injuries. It is a good alternative option and more often than not the waiting time is shorter than at hospital.
“Remember that life-threatening or serious conditions should still be treated at A&E.”
NUH has implemented new systems and processes to help maintain social distancing in its Emergency Department to keep patients safe.
Lisa Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at NUH said: “We have implemented new systems and processes to help maintain social distancing in our Emergency Department to keep patients safe.
“Whilst these new measures are working very well, we ask for the public’s help in choosing the most appropriate service for their needs, and reserving our Emergency Department for the most serious and life-threatening cases”.
For the latest information on how health services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are running, click here.
