Shropshire’s two acute hospitals have this week seen a rise in A&E attendances, and are asking people to think about where they will get the quickest and best medical attention for their condition.
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford are seeing the effects of winter, which traditionally brings additional demand caused by problems such as respiratory conditions and the effects of cold and flu.
This is combined with some people attending A&E with conditions which could have been treated more effectively – and more quickly – elsewhere and increasing difficulty in transferring patients who no longer need the specialist care that acute hospitals provide back home or into more appropriate care settings in the community because of a lack of beds or delays in preparing their required packages of care.
So far this week, Shropshire’s two A&E Departments have seen an average of almost 350 people a day, compared with an average of 316 in the previous week.
On Monday, 372 people attended A&E. Of those 372 people, 85 were admitted to hospital with 287 not being admitted.
Debbie Kadum, Chief Operating Officer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We know that many people who have been to our A&E Departments could have used an alternative local service, which would have avoided what can be a stressful visit to hospital.
“We really do need people to think carefully about where they will get the best treatment if they need medical attention. Many conditions really can be seen much more quickly using alternative services.
“A&E should only be used for the most serious conditions.
“Pharmacies are often seen simply as dispensaries for medication, but pharmacists are experts in medicines and will use their clinical expertise, together with their practical knowledge to offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
“NHS 111 can provide medical help fast when it’s not a 999 emergency.
“As well as this, minor injuries units in Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Ludlow, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown may treat you quicker than A&E for minor injuries.”