Public urged to use A&E wisely
Hospital officials are urging people to avoid using A&E unless their condition is serious or life threatening.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is experiencing a high demand for hospital beds.
This is resulting in some patients experiencing long delays in A&E and in waiting for admission to a hospital bed.
In these challenging circumstances, anyone thinking of using A&E should examine their options carefully and consider using other NHS services.
Jeanette Abraham, Assistant Director of Operations, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust said: “We are experiencing a high demand for hospital beds. We urge people to use A&E wisely and think carefully before calling an ambulance.
“A&E is for people facing life-threatening and serious emergencies such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.
“Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, general aches and pains, and flu will usually clear up on their own. Keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and, if appropriate, treat with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol.
“Contact a GP or a GP out of hours service for help with injuries or illnesses that won’t go away.
“Alternatively, West Lancashire Health Centre at Ormskirk hospital is open from 8am to 10pm all year round. Skelmersdale NHS Walk-in Centre at The Concourse is open from 7am to 10pm weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
“Local pharmacies and the NHS Choices website are also a good source of information and advice.
“We would also always ask people to ‘Choose Well’ when it comes to selecting the most appropriate health services for their need.”
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