York and Scarborough hospitals are asking for public support by urging patients to attend the emergency department alone, if possible, as demand rises.
Dr Ed Smith, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Deputy Medical Director at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our emergency departments are busy all year round but are exceptionally busy at the moment with a high volume of poorly patients attending. This means that the departments can often be overcrowded, with limited places to sit while waiting to be seen.
“While we understand it’s appropriate for a friend or family member to accompany with a child or as a carer for example, if patients can attend alone, this will help free up much needed space for other patients.
“We are currently seeing more than 450 people a day arriving in the departments and our staff are working exceptionally hard to provide the best care in challenging circumstances. With such high demand for services, we know that some patients are waiting a long time to be seen. While this can feel frustrating, we ask for patience and understanding, and to give staff the respect and kindness they deserve.”
Ed added: “People can also help us by using alternatives such as NHS 111, if they are unsure whether to come to the emergency department. This will ensure that when people need help, they are guided to the best possible care and treatment for their needs. Patients are also asked to consider using alternatives such as an urgent treatment centre (UTC).”
UTCs provide medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. They can diagnose and deal with many of the common problems people go to the emergency department for. They can help with things like sprains and strains, suspected broken bones, injuries, cuts and bruises, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and skin infections and rashes, for example.
Full details of urgent treatment centres can be found by visiting York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Minor Injuries Unit.
NHS 111 is available by calling 111, free on landlines and mobiles, or by going online to 111.nhs.uk.