Lincolnshire people asked to keep A&E for those who really need it.
Lincolnshire’s hospitals are asking people to keep A&E for those with serious or life-threatening illnesses.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand on A&Es at a time where we have a shortage of staff. The people of Lincolnshire can help by using the alternative urgent care services available.
In July and August, A&E attendances have increased by 7% and 5% respectively compared to the same time last year. The number of people admitted to hospital in an emergency also increased by 5%.
We know that around 30% of people who visit our A&Es could be seen or treated by services outside of hospital. This can include self care, a pharmacy, a GP or practice nurse, GP out of hours services, local urgent care and minor injury services and NHS 111.
Dr Ben Loryman, emergency medicine consultant said: “The quality and safety of patient care is the Trust’s number one priority and unnecessary visits to A&E not only add to the strain on our hard working A&E staff, but also reduces the resources available to treat those who need specialist emergency care. I want all patients who go to A&E with serious illnesses or injuries to be seen and treated as quickly as possible.
“Those who attend with minor conditions are never turned away, but we often notice patients turn up to A&E who are not a serious accident or emergency and it isn’t appropriate for emergency care staff to deal with. Just this week at Lincoln A&E, one person wanted an alternative antiseptic cream for a rash on their ankle, as the well-known brand he was using stuck to his sock. It took time to book in the patient, time to assess him and also do the paperwork to discharge. Time that could have been spent treating other patients.
“These are the patients that we have to consider as a lower priority and who can experience long waits. Many could have been seen by alternative services and often could have be seen quicker. We would therefore advise that if a person’s condition is neither an accident or an emergency you consider one of the alternatives”.
We urge patients to continue to think carefully before attending A&E as we are continuing to see high numbers of patients.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust runs three A&Es in Lincolnshire based at Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, and at Grantham and District Hospital.
The range of alternative services to A&E includes:
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to go to your GP or other healthcare setting.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a service which makes it easier for you to access NHS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is free when you telephone 111. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but is not a 999 emergency.
GP Out of Hours service
If you need a doctor out of normal hours, dial NHS 111 to contact the GP Out of Hours service.
Walk in centre
Lincoln Walk-in Centre, 63 Monks Road. Lincoln LN2 5HP
Tel: 01522 528153 opening times 8am- 8pm
Minor injury units
Sleaford Medical Group, 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD
Tel: 01529 419100 opening times 6.30pm – 8pm
The City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB.
Tel: 01733 293800 opening times 8am-8pm
Stamford Hospital, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire,PE9 1UA
Tel: 01780 764151 open 9am- 5pm
Newark minor injury unit and urgent care centre
Newark Hospital, Boundary Road , Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4DE
Tel: 01636 681681 opening times
Urgent Care Centres
Skegness Hospital, Dorothy Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2BS Tel: 01754 613504
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)
County Hospital, High Holme Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0EU Tel: 01507 600100 ext 1223
Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)