WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Save A&E for real emergencies this festive season

NHS Tayside is asking people to save Accident and Emergency departments for real emergencies only and make sure they know where to get the right treatment, at the right place, at the right time, during the festive period.

Over holiday periods, when GP surgeries are closed, A&E departments see a significant increase in attendances, some of which could be dealt with elsewhere. Around one in three people who visit A&E could receive treatment more appropriately by accessing a different service. This can put extra pressure on staff when they may be needed for a real emergency.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, GP surgeries will be closed on 25 and 26 of December and 1 and 2 January 2014. During this time, there are alternative places to get help, should you need it. When you GP surgery is closed, or you need advice on self care, please call NHS 24 on 111. If you need to be seen, either a home visit will be arranged or you will be directed to your nearest Primary Care Emergency Centre (PCEC) or nurse-led Minor Injury and Illness Unit (MIIU).

Additionally, some pharmacies will be open over Christmas and New Year, details of which can be found in your local press.

Dr Shobhan Thakore, Consultant in Accident & Emergency said, “Over holiday periods, A&E can be very busy. We need to make sure that we are able to see people quickly if they need emergency care. Members of the public have always recognised that A&E is for those with genuine emergencies, however they are not always aware of what alternatives are out there, especially when their own GP is closed. This sometimes leads to them attending A&E only for us to have to explain that we cannot help. This is frustrating for them and diverts us from other patients.

“With some minor illnesses and injuries it is not always necessary to see a doctor or nurse. Helpful advice can be given by pharmacists and NHS 24. However, if you feel you need to see a doctor or nurse but your GP is closed and you don’t think it is an A&E problem, please phone NHS 24. They can give advice and, if necessary, put you in contact with the out-of-hours service.”

Top tips for the right treatment:

• When your GP surgery is closed, and you’re too ill to wait until it re-opens, you can access appropriate out-of-hours services (including a nurse or GP) through NHS 24

• Your local Primary Care Emergency Centre out-of-hours service works with NHS 24 to make sure that urgent medical advice and care is always available to you

• If you live in a rural area and have a minor illness like flu or earache or a cut, minor burn or sprain, turn to your Minor Injury Illness Unit or NHS 24

• Your local pharmacist can provide a whole range of services including free advice, support and guidance on all your health problems

• Avoid a crisis, be prepared and buy essentials now. A pharmacist can advise you on a well-stocked medicine cabinet

• You can find a list of our hospitals and information on our website at www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk

• Find about your local health services and get health advice online at www.nhsinform.co.uk

Contact:

Gayle Culross

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720