With the worst weather seen for more than a decade set to continue up to and through the Christmas Bank Holiday, NHS services are appealing to people across Merseyside to select the right service as pressure mounts on A&E departments, walk-in centres and GPs.
For the first time since 2004 there will be a four day Christmas Bank Holiday (25th-28th December) followed by a three day New Year Bank Holiday (1st-3rd January) and it is anticipated this could also lead to more people presenting at A&E because they’re confused about which services are available.
Liverpool GP, Dr Simon Bowers said: “The NHS does not close over Christmas or New Year – services like GPs and chemists are available, even on Christmas Day. We want to help people choose the right service if they do fall ill – why sit in Accident and Emergency if you could be treated with a quick trip to your chemist?”
Pressure is growing on not just emergency services but other services like walk-in centres. Accident and Emergency Departments are currently dealing with high levels of fractures, as well as common winter illnesses, like colds, sore throats, coughs and back pain. They are also seeing a large number of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
Dr Bowers added: “The message to patients across Merseyside is clear. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay in bed, get plenty of rest and drink fluids. You should not be attending A&E with flu – you risk infecting not only people who are seriously ill but also members of staff. Similarly, if you have an outpatient appointment you should telephone the hospital to rearrange it.
“We are appealing to patients to use the NHS responsibly this Christmas. A&E should only be used for life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents. If patients are unsure which service they should be using, they should contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. Your local Primary Care Trust will also carry advice and information about service opening times over the festive period.”
Flu can be serious for pregnant women, people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or kidney diseases, and those who have weakened immune systems as well as the elderly. If you are in one of these risk groups and you have flu-like symptoms call your GP for advice. This also applies to parents of young children under 5 and especially babies, with flu symptoms. If you need advice ring NHS Direct – 0845 4647 – or ask your local pharmacy.
It’s not too late for people in at risk groups to get vaccinated against flu. The vaccine is safe and effective and will protect against the main flu strains around this winter including H1N1 (swine flu). It does not make you ill as it does not contain any live virus. If you are in an at risk group then contact your GP to arrange your jab.
Where should patients go?
* Health advice and information For confidential advice for any health question or information about where to find services in your area 24 hours-a-day call 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk
* Chemists and self-treatment expert advice and medicines to help you treat everyday minor illnesses, without an appointment – text pharmacy and your postcode to NHSGO (64746) for your nearest chemists
* Dentist For toothache or gum problems – call 0845 46 47 for nearest dentist
* GP surgery for more serious health problems that just won’t go away
* Walk-in services Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries without an appointment
* Out of hours GP (evenings and weekends) If you are ill, it is not an emergency but it can’t wait until the morning call your GP surgery to access advice or an appointment
* A&E and 999 Treatment of serious or life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pain, loss of consciousness, serious accidents or excessive blood loss
For opening times log on to www.liverpoolpct.nhs.uk, www.knowlsey.nhs.uk and www.sefton.nhs.uk or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
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