Southport Hospital experiencing very high demand for services

Consider NHS walk-in services at this busy time for A&E

Southport and Ormskirk hospitals are experiencing very high demand for services again this week.

A&E attendances were up 17% on Sunday against the previous six weeks and up 20% in January against the same month last year.

Patients should use alternative services, such as NHS walk-in centres, where appropriate, said Jeanette Abraham, Associate Director of Operations.

Treatment for minor injuries is available at West Lancashire Health Centre to the left of the entrance to Ormskirk hospital and Skelmersdale NHS Walk-in Centre at The Concourse. The last appointment to see a nurse is 9pm.

“Please use A&E wisely and think carefully before attending hospital. We are experiencing extremely high demand for beds,” said Jeanette.

“You don’t need an appointment at A&E but we make an assessment on arrival and, depending on how urgent treatment is needed, you may have to wait. The triage nurse or clinician may also signpost you to a different health care provider such as your GP, dentist or pharmacy.”

A&E was for medical emergencies and people facing life-threatening conditions 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. Local pharmacies and the NHS Choices website are also a good source of information and advice.