People across Lincolnshire are being asked to choose the right NHS service for their treatment needs to keep emergency services free for patients who urgently need them.
Around 30% of people who visit A&E could be seen or treated by services outside of hospital. This can include self care, a pharmacy, a GP or practice nurse, GP out of hours services, local urgent care and minor injury services and NHS 111.
To ensure patients make the right choice when it comes to their care, Dr Kishan Rees, a senior clinical teaching fellow at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), has produce a short video to advise people of the different NHS services and when each should be used if people become unwell.
Speaking about the video Dr Rees said: “We know that the different NHS services can be confusing for patients as they’re often unsure of where to go to get the best and most timely care for their condition.
“For immediate, life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, breathing difficulties or serious trauma the public should not hesitate and always call 999.
“However many illnesses can be better treated by visiting your local pharmacy, contacting NHS 111, visiting your local GP, GP out of hours service, or attending a walk in centre or a minor injuries unit. If you need urgent medical advice but are unsure what to do, dial 111 and they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate service based on your symptoms.”
Dr Suneil Kapadia, medical director for ULHT said: “We’ve seen a significant rise in demand on our A&Es at a time where we have a real shortage of staff. We are actively trying to recruit to these roles but the reality is that there is a national shortage of A&E doctors, and ULHT is very much affected by this. The people of Lincolnshire can help by using the alternative urgent care services available.
“The quality and safety of patient care is the Trust’s number one priority and unnecessary visits to A&E not only add to the strain on our hard working A&E staff, but also reduces the resources available to treat those who need specialist emergency care. We want all patients who go to A&E with serious illnesses or injuries to be seen and treated as quickly as possible.
“To help ease pressures on A&Es, I urge everyone to think twice before they go to an A&E – if it’s not serious or life threatening, you shouldn’t be there.”
ENDS
For further information contact the communications team on 01522 573986.
Notes to editors
The video is available on the Trust’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PrGoITol0o
Dr Kishan Rees produced the video in his own time with resources from his media company – WatMed Media. Dr Rees is available for interview requests via the communications team.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust runs three A&Es in Lincolnshire based at Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, and at Grantham and District Hospital.
The range of alternative services to A&E includes:
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to go to your GP or other healthcare setting.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a service which makes it easier for you to access NHS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is free when you telephone 111. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but is not a 999 emergency.
GP out of hours service
If you need a doctor out of normal hours, dial NHS 111 to contact the GP out of hours service.
Walk in centre
Lincoln walk-in centre, 63 Monks Road. Lincoln LN2 5HP
Tel: 01522 528153 opening times 8am- 8pm
Minor injury units
Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD
Tel: 01529 419100 opening times 6.30pm – 8pm
The City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB.
Tel: 01733 293800 opening times 8am-8pm
Stamford Hospital, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire,PE9 1UA
Tel: 01780 764151, open 9am- 5pm
John Coupland Hospital, Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2TJ
Tel: 01427 816 502, 8am – 8pm
Johnson Community Hospital, Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, PE11 3DT
Tel: 01775 652 000, 8am – 8pm
Newark minor injury unit and urgent care centre
Newark Hospital, Boundary Road , Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4DE
Tel: 01636 681681
Urgent care centres
Skegness Hospital, Dorothy Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2BS Tel: 01754 613504
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)
County Hospital, High Holme Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0EU Tel: 01507 600100 ext 1223
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)